The α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibition Capacity of Grape Pomace: A Review

The concept of functional foods is gaining more importance due to its role in maintaining a healthy status and preventing some metabolic diseases. The control of diabetes, in particular type-2 (T2DM), could be considered a big challenge since it involves other factors such as eating habits. From the pharmacological point of view, inhibiting digestive enzymes, such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase, is one of the mechanisms mainly used by synthetic drugs to control this disease; however, several side effects are described. For that reason, using bioactive compounds may appear as an alternative without presenting the complications synthetic drugs available on the market have. The winemaking industry generates tons of waste annually, and grape pomace (GP) is the most important. GP is recognized for its nutritional value and as a source of bioactive compounds that are helpful for human health. This review highlights the importance of GP as a possible source of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors. Also, it is emphasized the components involved in this bioactivity and the possible interactions among them. Especially, some phenolic compounds and fiber of GP are the main ones responsible for interfering with the human digestive enzymes. Preliminary studies in vitro confirmed this bioactivity; however, further information is required to allow the specific use of GP as a functional ingredient inside the market of products recommended for people with diabetes. Graphical abstract