Diplotaxis simplex suppresses postprandial hyperglycemia in mice by inhibiting key-enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes

Nutritional properties of Diplotaxis simplex Spreng., Brassicaceae, an edible wild cruciferous largely distributed in North Africa, were investigated. Potassium (3690–3780 mg/100 g) and calcium (900–1170 mg/100 g) were the most concentrated minerals. Linoleinic acid was found to be the main fatty acid (25.4–27.7%), followed by palmitic acid (13.2–15.3%). Moreover, lipidic fraction of leaves was characterized by a relatively high rate of ethyl linoleate (14.4%) and phytol (17.6%). Ethyl acetate extract of D. simplex flowers showed concentration-dependent α-amylase (IC50 3.46 mg/ml) and α-glucosidase (IC50 0.046 mg/ml) inhibitory activities. The positive in vitro enzymes inhibition was confirmed by a maltose tolerance test, which showed that treatment with flowers extract significantly inhibited the rise in blood glucose levels of maltose-loaded mice comparable to the standard antihyperglycemic agent acarbose. From these results, it may be concluded that D. simplex flowers can be used effectively as a safer alternative therapy to control postprandial hyperglycemia.

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