Carbon Nanoparticles Inhibit Α-Glucosidase Activity and Induce a Hypoglycemic Effect in Diabetic Mice

Abstract

New, improved therapies to reduce blood glucose are required for treating diabetes mellitus (DM). Here, we investigated the use of a new nanomaterial candidate for DM treatment, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs). CNPs were prepared by carbonization using a polysaccharide from Arctium lappa L. root as the carbon source. The chemical structure and morphology of the CNPs were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. CNPs were spherical, 10-20 nm in size, consisting of C, H, O, and N, and featuring various functional groups, including C=O, C=C, C–O, and C–N. In vitro, the as-prepared CNPs could inhibit α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 0.5677 mg/mL, which is close to that of the reference drug acarbose. Moreover, in vivo hypoglycemic assays revealed that the CNPs significantly reduced fasting blood-glucose levels in mice with diabetes induced by high-fat diet and streptozocin, lowering blood glucose after intragastric administration for 42 days. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of CNPs exhibiting α-glucosidase inhibition and a hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mice. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of CNPs for diabetes.

Effects of NO3−, Cl−, and CH3COO− anions and diethylene glycol on the morphological, structural, antidiabetic, and cell viability properties of CeO2 nanoparticles

“…According to studies using carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), the CNPs might combine with a-glucosidase by noncovalent bonding to alter the structure of the enzyme. 53,54 Moreover, Cha et al reported that morphology play an important role in penetrating the grooves where the active center of the enzyme is located. 55 Hence, interfering with its reconguration is needed for the catalytic activity.…”

Arctium lappa (Burdock): Insights from ethnopharmacology potential, chemical constituents, clinical studies, pharmacological utility and nanomedicine

“…XPS and TEM determined that the size and shape of the CNPs were spherical and 10-20 nm, and the FT-IR figures demonstrated that the functional groups C--O, C--C, C-O, and C-N are the primary groups of the generated NPs. Moreover, these particles show antidiabetic activity via inhibition of α-glucosidase with an IC 50 value of 0.5677 mg/mL (in vitro studies) [123]. Furthermore, arctigenin represents one of the prominent and vital components of A. lappa L. Cui et al were able to coat poly-lysin polymer NPs with arctigenin to assist in the visualization and biomedical labeling of in vitro and in vivo models [124].…”

α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity and Cytotoxicity of CeO2 Nanoparticles Fabricated Using a Mixture of Different Cerium Precursors

“…On the other hand, CMx NPs have the potential to modify the structure of the enzyme by attaching themselves to the active site of the enzyme via noncovalent bonding. Because of this, the development of an enzyme–substrate complex is prevented, and as a result, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity may be shown. , This could imply that CMx NPs are able to enter the active site of the enzyme or might indicate that the NPs are able to change the active site of the enzyme.…”