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Pu-erh tea polysaccharides decrease blood sugar by inhibition of α-glucosidase activity in vitro and in mice
Yea-Tyz Deng1, Shoei-Yn Lin-Shiau, Lie-Fen Shyur
1Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. jklin@csmu.edu.tw.
Food & Function
|March 31, 2015
Summary
Pu-erh tea polysaccharide (PTPS) shows potential as a novel treatment for type 2 diabetes by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase with fewer side effects than acarbose. Further clinical trials are recommended to confirm its efficacy in suppressing blood glucose levels.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes is linked to environmental factors like obesity and inactivity, leading to insulin resistance.
- Acarbose, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, treats type 2 diabetes but causes gastrointestinal side effects due to strong alpha-amylase inhibition.
- A need exists for new alpha-glucosidase inhibitors with reduced alpha-amylase inhibition to mitigate side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and evaluate novel alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from pu-erh tea polysaccharide (PTPS).
- To assess the inhibitory effects of PTPS on alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase.
- To compare the efficacy of PTPS with acarbose in managing blood glucose levels in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of carbohydrate compounds from PTPS.
- In vitro assays to determine inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase.
- In vivo study in mice to evaluate the effect of PTPS on postprandial blood glucose levels.
Main Results:
- PTPS demonstrated alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity.
- PTPS exhibited significantly less inhibition against alpha-amylase compared to acarbose.
- Preliminary mouse studies indicated PTPS was effective in suppressing blood glucose levels after carbohydrate intake.
Conclusions:
- PTPS represents a promising candidate for a new type 2 diabetes therapeutic.
- Its dual action of inhibiting alpha-glucosidase while sparing alpha-amylase suggests a favorable side effect profile.
- Further clinical investigation is warranted to establish PTPS's therapeutic potential in humans with type 2 diabetes.
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