[Reviews on α-glucosidase inhibitor from plant secondary metabolites].

α-Glucosidase inhibitor was a new type of antidiabetics which was developed in the late 1970s. By reducing the postprandial blood sugar concentration, it could effectively control the blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the occurrence of diabetic complications. Studies have shown that plant secondary metabolites have important biological functions such as hpyerglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemia, immunomodulatory, and antitumor effects. In this paper, the sources of plant secondary metabolites which are able to inhibit α-glucosidase and their inhibition mechanism would be reviewed to provide references for seeking more safe and efficient plant secondary metabolites of α-glucosidase inhibitors.