Protein hydrolysates and ultrafiltered < 1 KDa fractions from Phaseolus lunatus, Phaseolus vulgaris and Mucuna pruriens exhibit antihyperglycemic activity, intestinal glucose absorption and α-glucosidase inhibition with no acute toxicity in rodents.

BACKGROUND Protein hydrolysates from food plants, such as legumes, have emerged as a new alternative to treat hyperglycemia, an important risk factor contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications. The aim of this work was to assess the antihyperglycemic activity and inhibition of alpha-glucosidase, and intestinal glucose absorption, and acute toxicity of total hydrolysates and < 1 kDa fractions from Phaseolus lunatus L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., and Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., obtained by hydrolysis with Alcalase (R)-Flavourzyme (R) or pepsine-pancreatin enzymatic systems. RESULTS In vivo results showed that three of six total hydrolysates and four of six < 1 kDa fractions suppressed starch-induced postprandial hyperglycemia (ED50 range between 1.4 and 93 mg kg(-1)). In vitro, total hydrolysates and fractions, particularly from M. pruriens, inhibited carbohydrate intestinal absorption (from 19.2 to 40%), and alpha-glucosidase activity (IC50 from 0.86 to 75 mg mL(-1)). Finally, none of the hydrolysates and fractions tested did not show any signs of toxicity (LD50 > 5000 mg kg(-1)). CONCLUSION These results suggest that hydrolysates and < 1 kDa fractions from P. lunatus, P. vulgaris and M. pruriens are suitable candidates to treat or prevent T2DM. (c) 2018 Society of Chemical Industry