AUTHOR=Yang Xiaoqian , Wang Yuelong , Li Jingfeng , Tai Yuxing , Yang Kunping , Lv Jingwei , Sun Jiaming , Zhang Hui 

TITLE=From waste to wonder: exploring the hypoglycemic and anti-oxidant properties of corn processing by−products

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Chemistry

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2024.1433501

DOI=10.3389/fchem.2024.1433501

ISSN=2296-2646

ABSTRACT=The industrial processing of corn (Zeamays L.) generates by-products such as corn silk, straw peels and straw core, which contribute to adverse environmental impacts. Our study aimed to investigate sustainable approaches for mitigating these effects by evaluating the hypoglycemic potential and mechanisms of ethyl acetate fractions derived from these corn derivatives. We employed glucose consumption assays, high glucose stress tests, UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS analysis, molecular docking, and simulations to assess their efficacy. Antioxidant capacities were evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and •OH scavenging assays. Notably, the ethyl acetate fraction extracted from straw peels (SPE) exhibited a high concentration of flavonoids and phenolic compounds along with pronounced hypoglycemic activity and antioxidant capacity, SPE significantly enhanced glucose consumption in insulin resistant HepG2 while protecting HUVECs against damage caused by high glucose levels. Molecular docking analyses confirmed the interaction between active compounds and α-glucosidase as well as α-amylase, while molecular dynamic simulations indicated stability at their binding sites. In conclusion, the hypoglycemic and antioxidative properties observed in corn byproducts such as straw peels, corn silk, and straw core can be attributed to the inhibition of αglucosidase and α-amylase activities, coupled with their rich phenolic and flavonoid content. These findings highlight the potential of these by-products for applications in healthcare management and their sustainable utilization, demonstrating significant value in the use of agricultural residues.删除了: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex chronic metabolic disorder that is not communicable, characterized by glucose intolerance due to a defect in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both 删除了: the antioxidant defenses of the cell 删除了: morphology and function 删除了: In the context of diabetes, the intricate interplay between OS, formation of AGEs, and inflammation is crucial in the progression of complications related to diabetes