Protein hydrolysates and ultrafiltered < 1 KDa fractions from Phaseolus lunatus, Phaseolus vulgaris and Mucuna pruriens exhibit antihyperglycemic activity, intestinal glucose absorption and α‐glucosidase inhibition with no acute toxicity in rodents

BACKGROUND Protein hydrolysates from food plants, such as legumes, have emerged as a new alternative to treat hyperglycemia, an important risk factor contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications. The aim of this work was to assess the antihyperglycemic activity and inhibition of α‐glucosidase, and intestinal glucose absorption, and acute toxicity of total hydrolysates and < 1 kDa fractions from Phaseolus lunatus L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., and Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., obtained by hydrolysis with Alcalase®‐Flavourzyme® or pepsine‐pancreatin enzymatic systems. RESULTS In vivo results showed that three of six total hydrolysates and four of six < 1 kDa fractions suppressed starch‐induced postprandial hyperglycemia (ED50 range between 1.4 and 93 mg kg−1). In vitro, total hydrolysates and fractions, particularly from M. pruriens, inhibited carbohydrate intestinal absorption (from 19.2 to 40%), and α‐glucosidase activity (IC50 from 0.86 to 75 mg mL−1). Finally, none of the hydrolysates and fractions tested did not show any signs of toxicity (LD50 > 5000 mg kg−1). CONCLUSION These results suggest that hydrolysates and < 1 kDa fractions from P. lunatus, P. vulgaris and M. pruriens are suitable candidates to treat or prevent T2DM. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry