An improved method for a fast screening of α-glucosidase inhibitors in cherimoya fruit (Annona cherimola Mill.) applying effect-directed analysis via high-performance thin-layer chromatography-bioassay-mass spectrometry.

α-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) are very attractive bioactive compounds due to their therapeutic profile that includes beneficial effects over glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus and viral infections. Its detection and identification in plants and fruits has gained growing attention, and certainly requires efficient screening methodologies. The objective of the present work was to develop a fast methodology to detect and identify AGIs in cherimoya fruit (Annona cherimola Mill.