Euphorbia dioeca Kunth as a novel source for α-glucosidase inhibitors

Euphorbia dioeca Kunth belongs to the Wanderer's herb complex that is traditionally used for skin diseases and recently as antidiabetic. The methanol and aqueous extracts were evaluated for their in vitro gamma-glucosidase inhibitory activity and an oral starch tolerance test. These extracts showed an IC50 of 0.55 and 0.85 mg/mL, respectively. In diabetic Long Evans rats, the methanol and aqueous extracts reduced significantly the postprandial hyperglycemia peak in 15.2% and 12.8%, respectively. The gamma-glucosidase inhibitory activity is related with the presence of glycosides, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Additionally, the safety parameters of both extracts were assessed by means of an acute toxicity test, being classified as innocuous. The traditional use of E. dioeca to control type 2 diabetes was confirmed, being an important source of gamma-glucosidase inhibitors.