Hydrolysates of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed meal: Characterization and their inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase activity and glucose transport in Caco-2 cells

Due to the lack of high value-added products and the rough utilization of hemp protein, which has the effect of regulating blood glucose, as well as the adverse effects of glucose-lowering drugs currently on the market, it is urgent to develop new safe and effective α-glucosidase inhibitors as substitutes for existing hypoglycemic drugs. Therefore, this study explored the physical and chemical properties, antioxidant activity, and inhibitory mechanism of α-glucosidase activity of non-dehulled hemp seed meal hydrolysate prepared by controlled enzymatic hydrolysis technology, as well as its inhibitory of α-glucosidase and glucose transmembrane transport in Caco-2 cells. Kinetic experiments indicated that the inhibition of α-glucosidase by hemp seed meal hydrolysate was reversible mixed inhibition. Cell experiments revealed that the hydrolysate inhibited both intracellular disaccharidase and the transport of glucose at different concentrations. In conclusion, the hemp seed meal hydrolysate can inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase and has potential value and application prospects in hypoglycemic effect.