Aims: One of the aims of this research work is the isolation and identification of various constituents of two medicinally important plants (Iris loczyi and Iris unguicularis). Secondly, the prime aim is the biological evaluation of these natural products to discover new potential inhibitors of α-glucosidase enzyme and protein glycation.
Main methods: Plants of the genus Iris contain a variety of secondary metabolites. Chromatographic techniques were applied for the isolation of different compounds from Iris loczyi and Iris unguicularis. All the isolated compounds were screened for their α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition and antiglycation potential.
Key findings: It is shown in the results that two compounds (Kaempferol and 8-Methoxyeriodictyol) isolated from plant Iris unguicularis and compounds (Arborinone and 5,7-dihydroxy-2',6-dimethoxyisoflavone) isolated from plant Iris loczyi possess promising activity against α-glucosidase enzyme as compare to acarbose which is used as a standard α-glucosidase inhibitor in this study. A flavanone (2',5-dihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxy) isolated from Iris loczyi was explored as most active anti-glycating agent.
Significance: α-Glucosidase enzyme is a therapeutic target to treat carbohydrate mediated diseases. In this study various inhibitors of α-glucosidase are identified which might be important for the management of diabetes. Similarly, antiglycation agents may have application for the management of late diabetic complications.
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