文摘
Inhibition of enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipids metabolism is an important strategy against type 2 diabetes and obesity, by suppressing dietary sugar and fat absorption. This work reports, for the first time, the in vitro inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase by watercress juice (WJ). Juice was analyzed for qualitative and quantitative composition and in vitro antioxidant activities. Several components were identified, namely hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, and other minor water-soluble phytochemicals. Quantitative data revealed a dimer of caffeoylmalic acid (0.73 mg mL−1 of juice), disinapoylgentibiose (0.64 mg mL−1), ferulic acid (0.56 mg mL−1), and isorhamnetin-O-sophoroside-O-malonyl(hexoside) (0.38 mg mL−1) as the predominant polyphenols. The results showed that WJ had dose-dependent inhibitory potential against targeted enzymes, displaying a more potent inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase relative to α-amylase and lipase. WJ can be considered a potential complementary dietary approach to control hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia, through inhibition of digestive enzymes.