Recent Updates on Phytoconstituent Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors: An Approach towards the Treatment of Type Two Diabetes

Abstract

Diabetes is a common metabolic disorder marked by unusually high plasma glucose levels, which can lead to serious consequences such as retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy and cardiovascular disease. One of the most efficient ways to reduce postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG) in diabetes mellitus, especially insulin-independent diabetes mellitus, is to lower the amount of glucose that is absorbed by inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes in the digestive system, such as α-glucosidase and α-amylase. α-Glucosidase is a crucial enzyme that catalyzes the final stage of carbohydrate digestion. As a result, α-glucosidase inhibitors can slow D-glucose release from complex carbohydrates and delay glucose absorption, resulting in lower postprandial plasma glucose levels and control of PPHG. Many attempts have been made in recent years to uncover efficient α-glucosidase inhibitors from natural sources to build a physiologic functional diet or lead compound for diabetes treatment. Many phytoconstituent α-glucosidase inhibitors have been identified from plants, including alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, glycosides and others. The current review focuses on the most recent updates on different traditional/medicinal plant extracts and isolated compounds’ biological activity that can help in the development of potent therapeutic medications with greater efficacy and safety for the treatment of type 2 diabetes or to avoid PPHG. For this purpose, we provide a summary of the latest scientific literature findings on plant extracts as well as plant-derived bioactive compounds as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors with hypoglycemic effects. Moreover, the review elucidates structural insights of the key drug target, α-glucosidase enzymes, and its interaction with different inhibitors.

High-protein, low glycemic index snack from optimized blend of three wholegrains exhibit nutraceutical quality and elicit low glycemic response in diabetic human subjects

“…α-amylase and α-glucosidase are key enzymes responsible for the breakdown of starch. The former functions to hydrolyze internal α-1,4 glycosidic bonds, resulting in the production of maltose and oligosaccharides whereas, the latter is a crucial enzyme responsible for catalyzing the nal stage of carbohydrate digestion [50]. Highest concentrations of amylase are found in the pancreas and salivary glands, although, equal abundant in other organs [51].…”

An analytical framework combining online high‐performance liquid chromatography methodologies and biological properties of different extracts of Leonurus cardiaca

“…Scientific efforts are focused on improving human health and reducing obesity and diabetes. In this sense, α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase enzymes are selected key enzymes to check carbohydrate metabolism, which in turn controls diabetes mellitus [41].…”

Identification of Active Compounds from Averrhoa bilimbi L. (Belimbing Wuluh) Flower using LC-MS and Antidiabetic Activity Test using in vitro and in silico Approaches

“…Inhibiting the activity of the α-glucosidase is 1 strategy that can be employed in the treatment of diabetes [24,25]. Miglitol consumption is currently the most popular treatment for diabetes mellitus and is considered to be one of the standard therapies for the disease [26].…”