Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease resulting from the progressive
disturbance of the production or functioning of the pancreatic hormone insulin, leading to an
increase in blood glucose levels. Hyperglycemia is one of the main characteristics of type 2
DM. The influence of the α-glucosidase enzyme on DM is well documented, it converts long chain carbohydrates into simpler monosaccharide units, a process that allows rapid absorption
of carbohydrates, resulting in high blood glucose levels. The use of oral agent is part of
antidiabetic treatment, with the purpose of reducing post-prandial blood glucose. The pourpose
objective of the study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of the bark extract of the plant
Anadenanthera colubrina (BEAc) to assist in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2)
and in the antioxidant control of reactive oxygen species. In in vitro studies, the inhibition of
the enzyme α-glucosidase was evaluated, the BEAc exhibited a potent inhibition, 31 times
greater than that of the synthetic inhibitor arcabose and its effect was dose-dependent at the
tested concentrations. In the kinetic analyzes of the results of the Lineweaver-Burk and
Michaelis-Menten plots, was observed a competitive inhibition in the reaction catalyzed by α glucosidase. Regarding the elimination of free radicals, BEAc exhibited a more effective dose response relationship than antioxidants rutin, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHT) and similar to
ascorbic acid in the same concentrations. In the chemical analysis of BEAc by HPLC, fourteen
chemical compounds were identified by reference to authentic standards. This study revealed
that the plant is rich in phenolic compounds, presented the first evidence of the anti-diabetic
activity of the bark of A. colubrina and confirmed its potential as an antioxidant. These results
showed a natural source that can assist in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, controlling
postprandial glycemia, inhibiting α-glucosidase and controlling the oxidation of biomolecules.
Acting both in the specific treatment of the disease and attenuating the antioxidant effects of
disturbances in the metabolism of macronutrients.
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