OBJECTIVE: To study the inhibitory effects of soyasaponins on alpha-glucosidase (EC3.2.1.20). METHODS: Soyasaponins were isolated by ODS column chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) from hypocotyls of soybean. The inhibitory activities of each component of soyasaponins against alpha-glucosidase were tested by colorimetric method. RESULTS: Soyasaponins showed potent inhibitory activities against alpha-glucosidase. Group B, group E and DDMP (2,3-dihydro-2,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one) saponins showed stronger potency, which were non-competitive inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase with IC50 values of 10-40 mumol/L. While group A saponins showed a little lower potency with IC50 values of about 2 mmol/L. CONCLUSION: The results suggest soyasaponins, which exhibit inhibitory effects on alpha-glucosidase, seem physiologically useful for suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus.
OBJECTIVE: To study the inhibitory effects of soyasaponins on alpha-glucosidase (EC3.2.1.20). METHODS:Soyasaponins were isolated by ODS column chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) from hypocotyls of soybean. The inhibitory activities of each component of soyasaponins against alpha-glucosidase were tested by colorimetric method. RESULTS:Soyasaponins showed potent inhibitory activities against alpha-glucosidase. Group B, group E and DDMP (2,3-dihydro-2,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one) saponins showed stronger potency, which were non-competitive inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase with IC50 values of 10-40 mumol/L. While group A saponins showed a little lower potency with IC50 values of about 2 mmol/L. CONCLUSION: The results suggest soyasaponins, which exhibit inhibitory effects on alpha-glucosidase, seem physiologically useful for suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus.