Application of effect‐directed analysis using TLC–bioautography for rapid isolation and identification of antidiabetic compounds from the leaves of Annona cherimola Mill.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a globally prevalent chronic disease characterised by hyperglycaemia and oxidative stress. The search for new natural bioactive compounds that contribute to controlling this condition and the application of analytical methodologies that facilitate rapid detection and identification are important challenges for science. Annona cherimola Mill. is an important source of aporphine alkaloids with many bioactivities. Objective: The aim of this study is to isolate and identify antidiabetic compounds from alkaloid extracts with α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitory activity from A. cherimola Mill. leaves using an effect‐directed analysis by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC)–bioautography. Methodology: Guided fractionation for α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitors in leaf extracts was done using TLC–bioassays. The micro‐preparative TLC was used to isolate the active compounds, and the identification was performed by mass spectrometry associated with web‐based molecular networks. Additionally, in vitro estimation of the inhibitory activity and antioxidant capacity was performed in the isolated compounds. Results: Five alkaloids (liriodenine, dicentrinone, N‐methylnuciferine, anonaine, and moupinamide) and two non‐alkaloid compounds (3‐methoxybenzenepropanoic acid and methylferulate) with inhibitory activity were isolated and identified using a combination of simple methodologies. Anonaine, moupinamide, and methylferulate showed promising results with an outstanding inhibitory activity against both enzymes and antioxidant capacity that could contribute to controlling redox imbalance. Conclusions: These high‐throughput methodologies enabled a rapid isolation and identification of seven compounds with potential antidiabetic activity. To our knowledge, the estimated inhibitory activity of dicentrinone, N‐methylnuciferine, and anonaine against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase is reported here for the first time. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a globally chronic disease. Thus, the identification of new natural bioactive compounds by application of rapid analytical methodologies is required. Five alkaloids and two non‐alkaloid compounds with α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitory activity (antidiabetic activity) were isolated and identified from Annona cherimola Mill. leaves using a simple and rapid EDA TLC bioautography and MS associated with web‐base molecular networks. For first time, the inhibitory activity of dicentrinone, N‐methylnuciferine, and anonaine against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase was estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]