RESUMO
α-Glucosidase inhibitor was a new type of antidiabetics which was developed in the late 1970s. By reducing the postprandial blood sugar concentration, it could effectively control the blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the occurrence of diabetic complications. Studies have shown that plant secondary metabolites have important biological functions such as hpyerglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemia, immunomodulatory, and antitumor effects. In this paper, the sources of plant secondary metabolites which are able to inhibit α-glucosidase and their inhibition mechanism would be reviewed to provide references for seeking more safe and efficient plant secondary metabolites of α-glucosidase inhibitors.
RESUMO
In this investigation, we evaluated essential oils from six medicinal plants from Burkina Faso for their antiacetylcholinesterase and antioxidant abilities. The chemotype of most active were also determined. The best antiacetylcholinesterase activities were recorded for the essential oils of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (IC50 18.98 µ g/mL) and Ocimum canum (IC50 36.16 µ g/mL). Their chemotype have been related to the 1,8-cineole one. Both essential oils demonstrated a linear mixed non competitive inhibition. The essential oil of Ocimum basilicum which belong to the linalool-eugenol chemotype exhibited the best radical scavenging activity (IC50 3.82 µ g/mL) and reducing power (531.75 mg AAE/g). In comparison with gallic and ascorbic acids, O. basilicum essential oil evidenced interesting antioxidant activities. The antiacetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities of essential oils were discussed in regard with their chemical composition.