源于中药的α-葡萄糖苷酶抑制剂研究进展

Research Progress of α-glucosidase Inhibitors from Chinese Herbs

关键词:  糖尿病  α-葡萄糖苷酶  中药  天然产物  抑制剂

Key words:  diabetes  α-glucosidase  Chinese herbs  natural products  inhibitors

摘要:

糖尿病(Diabetes mellitus,DM)可引起心血管疾病、糖尿病肾病、神经系统疾病等多种并发症,给患者生活和社会经济带来沉重负担。α-葡萄糖苷酶(又称葡萄糖基转移酶)负责将食物中的碳水化合物分解为葡萄糖,是防治糖尿病的一个关键靶点。临床上已有的α-葡萄糖苷酶抑制剂(如阿卡波糖),但其长期使用常伴有胃肠道不良反应和肝功能损伤。因此,迫切需要研发高效、低毒的新型α-葡萄糖苷酶抑制剂。中草药在长期的临床实践中具有良好的安全性。近年来国内外研究发现部分中草药提取物及其成分可显著抑制α-葡萄糖苷酶的活性,从而达到调节血糖和防治糖尿病的效果。基于上述背景,本研究聚焦于α-葡萄糖苷酶这一关键靶点,从α-葡萄糖苷酶的结构功能出发,系统归纳总结了中药及其化学成分对α-葡萄糖苷酶的抑制效应和机制,还对该领域面临的挑战和未来降糖药物研发进行了展望。上述信息为源于中药的α-葡萄糖苷酶抑制剂及降糖药物的研发提供新思路。

Abstract:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to various complications, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, and nervous system disorders. These complications significantly burden patients' quality of life and socioeconomic. α-glucosidase, also known as glucosyltransferase, is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into glucose, rendering it a critical target for diabetes prevention and treatment. Although clinical α-glucosidase inhibitors like acarbose exist, their long-term use often causes gastrointestinal side effects and liver damage. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new α-glucosidase inhibitors that are highly effective and less toxic. Chinese herbs have a good safety record in long-term clinical practice. Recent studies have shown that certain extracts and components of Chinese herbs can effectively inhibit α-glucosidase activity, offering potential avenues for blood sugar regulation and diabetes prevention and treatment. In this review, we place particular emphasis on the inhibition of α-glucosidase and provide a systematic overview of the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of Chinese herbs and their chemical components. It also discusses the challenges faced in this field and prospects for future research and development of hypoglycemic drugs. All information contributes to the provision of new insights for the development of α-glucosidase inhibitors and hypoglycemic drugs from Chinese herbs.