Aurones as New Porcine Pancreatic α-Amylase Inhibitors

Abstract

Background: Aurones, (Z)-2-benzylidenebenzofuran-3-one derivatives, are naturallyoccurring structural isomers of flavones, with promising pharmacological potential. </P><P> Methods: In this study, the structural requirements for the inhibition of porcine pancreatic &#945;- amylase by hydroxylated or methoxylated aurone derivatives were investigated by assessing their in vitro biological activities against porcine pancreatic &#945;-amylase. </P><P> Results: The structure-activity relationship of these inhibitors based on both in vitro and in silico findings showed that the hydrogen bonds between the OH groups of the A or B ring of (Z)- benzylidenebenzofuran-3-one derivatives and the catalytic residues of the binding site are crucial for their inhibitory activities. </P><P> Conclusion: It seems that the OH groups in aurones inhibit &#945;-amylase in a manner similar to that of OH groups in flavones and flavonols.