Synthetic heterocyclic candidates as promising α-glucosidase inhibitors: An overview

α-Glucosidase enzyme inhibition is an effective therapeutic decorum in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Since 1990, three α-glucosidase inhibitors are known to exist clinically, Acarbose, Voglibose and Miglitol. Side effects and long synthetic routes to access them forced the researchers to move their focus to discover simple and small heterocyclic motifs that work as promising α-glucosidase inhibitors and may eventually lead to the management of postprandial hyperglycemic condition in T2DM. In this regards, this review deals with recently discovered heterocyclic molecules that have been evaluated to exhibit inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme. [Display omitted] •Recently designed and developed heterocyclic α-glucosidase inhibitors.•All synthetic heterocyclic derivatives and hybrids covered till 2018 literature.•Structural activity relationship (SAR) of heterocyclic α-glucosidase inhibitors included.•Binding interactions of most active inhibitors discussed.