In vitro studies of eggplant (Solanum melongena) phenolics as inhibitors of key enzymes relevant for type 2 diabetes and hypertension

Bioresour Technol. 2008 May;99(8):2981-8. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2007.06.035. Epub 2007 Aug 13.

Abstract

National Diabetes Education Program of NIH, Mayo Clinic and American Diabetes Association recommend eggplant-based diet as a choice for management of type 2 diabetes. The rationale for this suggestion is the high fiber and low soluble carbohydrate content of eggplant. We propose that a more physiologically relevant explanation lies in the phenolic-linked antioxidant activity and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory potential of eggplant which could reduce hyperglycemia-induced pathogenesis. Results from this study indicate that phenolic-enriched extracts of eggplant with moderate free radical scavenging-linked antioxidant activity had high alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity and in specific cases moderate to high angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. Inhibition of these enzymes provide a strong biochemical basis for management of type 2 diabetes by controlling glucose absorption and reducing associated hypertension, respectively. This phenolic antioxidant-enriched dietary strategy also has the potential to reduce hyperglycemia-induced pathogenesis linked to cellular oxidation stress. These results provide strong rationale for further animal and clinical studies.

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / isolation & purification
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / enzymology*
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / enzymology
  • Diet, Diabetic
  • Dietary Fiber*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / isolation & purification
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / enzymology*
  • Phenols / isolation & purification*
  • Phenols / pharmacology*
  • Solanum melongena / chemistry*
  • alpha-Amylases / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors
  • Phenols
  • alpha-Amylases