Plant non‐starch polysaccharides that inhibit key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a metabolic disease becoming ever more common, is the result of disturbed glyco- and lipid metabolism. On the basis of their inhibitory effects against several key enzymes linked to T2DM, synthetic antidiabetic agents have been developed and used for diabetic therapy, some with adverse side effects. Fortunately, many plant non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) have been shown to possess inhibitory effects on the same T2DM-related enzymes. Through a simple literature search we found that α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase, and dipeptidyl-peptidase IV are the enzymes most often reported in the context of T2DM. In this short review we discuss published evidence for inhibition of these enzymes and the implications for treating T2DM.

Phytopharmacological Strategies in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…The treatment of T2DM safeguards patient-centered therapeutic individualization and is initiated by the alteration of the individual lifestyle, counterworking sedentarism, and obesity through the increase of physical activity and adoption of a balanced diet [11]. However, with progressive decline of pancreatic β-cells function, medication is required generally for extended periods of time [1,[11][12][13]. The pharmacologic therapies are mainly based on increasing insulin availability either by direct administration of insulin or via agents promoting insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity, delaying gastrointestinal absorption of carbohydrates, and/or increasing glucose excretion [14].…”

“…With the exception of lignin, the set of soluble and insoluble fiber, it is called non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) [17]. When NSPs are ingested and mixed with water, they form a dispersion with an increase in the viscosity of the bolus, reducing the diffusion of digestive enzymes and promoting the sense of satiety, resulting in the fight against obesity, as well as prevention and control of T2DM [12].…”

“…Pancreatic alpha-amylase allows the hydrolysis of carbohydrates through the breakdown of α-1,4-glycosidic bonds, forming linear and branched oligosaccharides, which are subsequently converted to glucose [12,13,65]. Such a conversion is catalyzed by the intestinal alpha-glucosidase, allowing its absorption into the bloodstream [12,13].…”

“…Pancreatic alpha-amylase allows the hydrolysis of carbohydrates through the breakdown of α-1,4-glycosidic bonds, forming linear and branched oligosaccharides, which are subsequently converted to glucose [12,13,65]. Such a conversion is catalyzed by the intestinal alpha-glucosidase, allowing its absorption into the bloodstream [12,13]. The inhibition of both enzymes, will allow to reduce the postprandial hyperglycemia by delayed digestion of carbohydrates and intestinal absorption of glucose [12,13,77].…”

“…Such a conversion is catalyzed by the intestinal alpha-glucosidase, allowing its absorption into the bloodstream [12,13]. The inhibition of both enzymes, will allow to reduce the postprandial hyperglycemia by delayed digestion of carbohydrates and intestinal absorption of glucose [12,13,77].…”