Quantification and bio-assay of α-glucosidase inhibitors from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.

This work aimed to investigate the α-glucosidase inhibitor from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. Seven flavonoids were isolated, and the total content of compounds 1-7 were more than 50% in Glycyrrhiza total flavones (GTF), and the content of compound 1 and 2 was abundant in GTF. The results of the α-glucosidase inhibitory activities indicated that compounds 1-6 and GTF respectively with the IC50 values of 31.303, 30.263, 23.363, 19.528, 10.854, 26.454 and 21.641 μg/mL exhibited the more potent activity than acarbose with the IC50 values of 38.995 μg/mL. These result suggested that Glycyrrhiza flavonoids may become a valid alternative of potential basis for new hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic agents.