Hypoglycaemic effects and inhibitory effect on intestinal disaccharidases of oat beta-glucan in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

► Oat is a minor cereal and abundant in China. ► Oat β-glucan is a primary bioactive component of oat. ► Oat β-glucan could inhibit activity of α-glycosidase. ► α-Glycosidase inhibitors is a target of anti-diabetic agents. ► Oat β-glucan would be a potential α-glycosidase inhibitor.