New Insights into the Latest Advancement in α-Amylase Inhibitors of Plant Origin with Anti-Diabetic Effects

Abstract

The rising predominance of type 2 diabetes, combined with the poor medical effects seen with commercially available anti-diabetic medications, has motivated the development of innovative treatment approaches for regulating postprandial glucose levels. Natural carbohydrate digestion enzyme inhibitors might be a viable option for blocking dietary carbohydrate absorption with fewer side effects than manufactured medicines. Alpha-amylase is a metalloenzyme that facilitates digestion by breaking down polysaccharides into smaller molecules such as maltose and maltotriose. It also contributes to elevated blood glucose levels and postprandial hyperglycemia. As a result, scientists are being urged to target α-amylase and create inhibitors that can slow down the release of glucose from carbohydrate chains and prolong its absorption, thereby resulting in lower postprandial plasma glucose levels. Natural α-amylase inhibitors derived from plants have gained popularity as safe and cost-effective alternatives. The bioactive components responsible for the inhibitory actions of various plant extracts have been identified through phytochemical research, paving the way for further development and application. The majority of the findings, however, are based on in vitro investigations. Only a few animal experiments and very few human investigations have confirmed these findings. Despite some promising results, additional investigation is needed to develop feasible anti-diabetic drugs based on plant-derived pancreatic α-amylase inhibitors. This review summarizes the most recent findings from research on plant-derived pancreatic α-amylase inhibitors, including plant extracts and plant-derived bioactive compounds. Furthermore, it offers insights into the structural aspects of the crucial therapeutic target, α-amylases, in addition to their interactions with inhibitors.

Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis of Randia echinocarpa Cell Cultures Treated with L-Tyrosine.

“…Methanolic extracts of Vernonia antihelmitica callus and leaf showed an IC 50 of 0.499 mg/L and 0.372 mg/L, respectively(Rajan et al, 2022). Moderate inhibition (30-50%) of α-amylase is desired since excessive bacterial fermentation of non-digested carbohydrates in colon could cause diarrhea and atulence(Kashtoh & Baek, 2023).Contrasting to the α-amylase activities described above, no enzymatic inhibition was observed for αglucosidase (data not shown). A previous study carried out by Cuevas-Juárez et al(2014), reported that partially puri ed melanins from the pulp fruit of R. echinocarpa presented higher α-glucosidase inhibitory (IC 50 1.00-1.17 mg/mL) activities when compared with acarbose (8.38 mg/mL).…”

Adjustments of the Phytochemical Profile of Broccoli to Low and High Growing Temperatures: Implications for the Bioactivity of Its Extracts

“…This is especially important for people suffering from diabetes type 2, obesity, and lipid peroxidation [93]. Research into plant foods with inhibitory effects on these enzymes is ongoing, with the aim of developing effective interventions for these chronic health conditions [94,95]. Although there are a plethora of data showing the potential of plants to inhibit the activity of these enzymes [96][97][98][99], we were not able to find any dealing with the effect of environmental factors on the ability of plants to inhibit the activity of digestive enzymes, except for our recent one [11].…”

Evaluation of the biological efficiency of Terminalia chebula fruit extract against neurochemical changes induced in brain of diabetic rats: an epigenetic study

“…Therefore, it is necessary to undergo further studies to search for new medications that aid in attenuating the progression of the disease and its possible complications (Izzo et al 2021 ). Kashtoh and Baek ( 2023 ) proposed that plant derived drugs with anti-diabetic properties are frequently considered to be cheaper and have low toxicity compared to the other synthetic ones.…”