Anti-Diabetic Potential of Phenolic Compounds: A Review

Starch is the main carbohydrate in human nutrition. Starch digestibility can vary from a rapid digestion to indigestibility. Therefore, postprandial glycaemic control in type 2 diabetics is of great interest in the context of worldwide health concerns. Although powerful synthetic inhibitors of starch digestive enzymes, such as acarbose, are available to control postprandial hyperglycemia, plant-based enzyme inhibitors are potentially safer. Natural enzyme inhibitors, such as wheat albumin, the Phaseolus vulgaris α-amylase inhibitor, and several phenolic compounds, have the potential to serve as a remedy against hyperglycemia-induced chronic diseases. The inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase is mediated by different phenolics found in varieties of raspberry. Maltase inhibitory activities of chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid from fruit of Terminalia chebula are comparable…