Alpha-glucosidase and Alpha-amylase Inhibitors Derived from Naturally Occurring Prenylated Isoflavones

Abstract

A series of prenylated isoflavones were synthesized to evaluate their inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes, analyzing the bioisosteric effect of the linear or cyclized prenyl moiety in these benzopyran derivatives. Compound 5a exhibited higher α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 = 60.5 µM) and lower α-amylase inhibition (IC50 = 85.0 µM) compared to acarbose (IC50 = 527.5 µM for α-glucosidase and 20.1 µM for α-amylase). In contrast, prenylated isoflavone 5c showed higher inhibition in both enzymes (IC50 = 17.6 µM for α-glucosidase and 21.2 µM for α-amylase). This suggests that the attachment of a prenyl moiety to the 7-hydroxy group of isoflavone provides higher inhibition in the enzymes α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Docking studies of compounds 5a and 5c displayed key interactions towards both enzymes. The type of inhibition for 5c was analyzed, where the results indicate a competitive inhibition of both α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Finally, ADMET studies support that compounds 5a and 5c are candidates for the design of novel isoflavones derivatives with antidiabetic potential.