Screening and identification of natural α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors from partridge tea (Mallotus furetianus Muell-Arg) and in silico analysis

[Display omitted] •Partridge tea extracts (PTs) exhibited strong digestive enzymes inhibitory activity.•PTAEs evidently improved glucose consumption of 3T3L1 preadipocytes cells.•Digestive enzymes inhibitors (DEIs) in the PTAEs were screened by ultrafiltration-based LC/MS method.•Catechin, rutin, ferulic acid and kaempferitrin were the major DEIs in the PTAEs.•Inhibitory mechanisms of the major DEIs on digestive enzymes were clarified. Partridge leaves (Mallotus furetianus Muell-Arg.) have long been consumed as popular folk substitute tea for treating hyperglycemia in China. In this study, the inhibiting effects of partridge tea extracts on α-glucosidase and α-amylase were investigated, and then effect of partridge tea aqueous extracts (PTAEs) on glucose consumption capacity of 3 T3-L1 preadipocytes cells was determined. Results verified that PTAEs showed excellent anti-α-glucosidase and anti-α-amylase effects. In addition, the PTAEs evidently promoted glucose consumption capacity of 3T3L1 preadipocytes cells. To this end, a combined method of affinity ultrafiltration and HPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS was used for rapidly screening and identifying the potential inhibitors in the PTAEs. Catechin, epicatechin, rutin, ferulic acid, and kaempferitrin with high affinity capacity indicated strong inhibiting effect on α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Docking studies revealed the potential interactive mechanisms between these major inhibitors and two digestive enzymes. This research shows that partridge tea is effective in preventing and treating post hyperglycemia.