Dinaphthodiospyrol H: a natural α-glucosidase inhibibitor extracted from Diospyros kaki L.f

The roots of Diospyro kaki L.f., known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties, are the source of dimeric naphthoquinones, including dinaphthodiospyrol H. α-Glucosidase is an enzyme involved in regulation of blood glucose levels and its inhibition helps in the control of the postprandial hyperglycaemia. In this study, an in vitro evaluation of dinaphthodiospyrol H was carried out and the compound inhibited α-glucosidase with an IC₅₀ value of 57.38 ± 0.87 µg/mL, revealing a significant potential that supports the traditional application of D. kaki in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Additionally, computational studies, including docking and molecular dynamics, were used to investigate ligand-target complex and showed that the compound targets the same site with which acarbose interacts. Overall, the findings provide new basis to translate the traditional use of D. kaki into modern medicinal chemistry.