Starch digestibility, polyphenol contents and in vitro alpha amylase inhibitory properties of two varieties of cocoyam (Colocassia esculenta and Xanthosoma mafafa) as affected by cooking

Modulating the glycemic response of starch-based foods using organic nanomaterials: strategies and opportunities

Traditionally, diverse natural bioactive compounds (polyphenols, proteins, fatty acids, dietary fibers) are used as inhibitors of starch digestive enzymes for lowering glycemic index (GI) and preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In recent years, organic nanomaterials (ONMs) have drawn a great attention because of their ability to overcome the stability and solubility issues of bioactive. This review aimed to elucidate the implications of ONMs in lowering GI and as encapsulating agents of enzymes inhibitors. The major ONMs are presented. The mechanisms underlying the inhibition of enzymes, the stability within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and safety of ONMs are also provided. As a result of encapsulation of bioactive in ONMs, a more pronounced inhibition of enzymes was observed compared to un-encapsulated bioactive. More importantly, the lower the size of ONMs, the higher their inhibitory effects due to facile binding with enzymes. Additionally, in vivo studies exhibited the potentiality of ONMs for protection and sustained release of insulin for GI management. Overall, regulating the GI using ONMs could be a safe, robust and viable alternative compared to synthetic drugs (acarbose and voglibose) and un-encapsulated bioactive. Future researches should prioritize ONMs in real food products and evaluate their safety on a case-by-case basis.

Aroids as underexplored tubers with potential health benefits

Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott and Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott are the most popular tubers among the Araceas family. Their chemical composition related to their nutritional benefits could make these rhizomes a valid option for the nutritional and technological improvement of food products. This chapter provide a clarification about the correct nomenclature of both tubers giving an insight around the principle components and their health effects. The scientific literature review has primarily highlighted several in vitro and animal studies where the consumption (leaves and whole tuber) of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott and Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott was related with certain antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic and prebiotic effects. Owing to their functional properties, different component from these rhizomes, specially starch, mucilage and powders are being used by the food industry. Their ability to behave as thickener and gelling agent has allowed their incorporation in baked food, food paste and beverages. This chapter suggests the development of more research around these rhizomes since they could potentially play, with other crops, an important role in the future sustainable strategies to feed the planet.

Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld Surface analysis of benzamide derivatives of thiourea as potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase in-vitro

Benzamide based structural analogues 1-15 were synthesized, and evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibition activity in vitro for the first time. Compounds 1-9 were found to be known, while compounds 10-15 were found to be new. However, to the best of our knowledge we are reporting α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of these bezamide derivatives of thiourea for the first time. Compounds 1, 3, 6-8, 10-14 were found to be potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase within IC₅₀ range of 20.44-333.41 µM, in comparison to the standard inhibitor, acarbose (IC₅₀ = 875.75 ± 2.08 µM). Mode of the enzyme inhibition was determined on the basis of kinetic studies which demonstrated that compounds 8, and 10 were non-competitive and competitive inhibitors of α-glucosidase enzyme, respectively. These compounds were also evaluated for their DPPH radical scavenging activity, and cytotoxicity against 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell lines. All synthesized compounds showed a significant to moderate DPPH radical scavenging activity and appeared to be non-cytotoxic except compound 9 which showed cytotoxicity against 3T3 normal mouse fibroblast cell lines. A single crystal X-ray and Hirshfeld Surface analysis of a representative compound is also presented.