10.1021/jm060087k
The research investigates the antidiabetic properties of penta-O-galloyl-D-glucopyranose (PGG) and its analogues. The study explores the structure-activity relationship of PGG's R- and α-anomers, which act as insulin mimetics, stimulating glucose transport in adipocytes and reducing blood glucose and insulin levels in diabetic and obese animals. The researchers synthesized and tested various novel compounds, finding that both the glucose core and the galloyl groups are crucial for activity. The galloyl groups linked to positions 1, 2, 3, and 4 of glucose are essential, while the one at position 6 is not. Notably, 6-chloro-6-deoxy-1,2,3,4-tetra-O-galloyl-R-D-glucopyranose (80) exhibited significantly higher glucose transport stimulatory activity than PGG, comparable to insulin. Key chemicals used in the research include PGG, gallic acid, methyl galloate, ellagic acid, and various derivatives of glucose and galloyl groups. The study provides insights into the development of new antidiabetic therapeutics that can address both hyperglycemia and adiposity.