Evaluation of α-glucosidase inhibition potential of some flavonoids from Epimedium brevicornum

Epimedium brevicornum leaves water extract exerted a potent and specific inhibition against yeast α-glucosidase, with 50% inhibition of activity (IC50) at 11.8 μmol/L (or 2.01 μg) Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/mL. Several major flavonols from the leaves were evaluated for inhibitory activity. Baohuoside I exhibited strong inhibition against the α-glucosidase while icariin and epimedin A, B and C were weak or inactive. All compounds were inactive...