Phenyl a-D-glucopyranoside

2-(Hydroxymethyl)-6-phenoxyoxane-3,4,5-triol is a natural product found in Gymnadenia conopsea with data available.

Phenyl a-D-glucopyranoside is a specific inhibitor of the enzyme α-glucosidase. It is used to study the mechanism of carbohydrate metabolism and its role in diabetes. Phenyl a-D-glucopyranoside binds to the active site of α-glucosidase, which prevents it from hydrolyzing α-1,4 glycosidic bonds in carbohydrates. The compound has been shown to inhibit pancreatic α-glucosidase activity, but not the activity of intestinal enzymes such as sucrase and maltase. Phenyl a-D-glucopyranoside also inhibits β cells by preventing glucose release from glycogen stores, which may be due to an isotope effect. This compound can act as an acceptor for isotopes such as carbon 14 and deuterium oxide (heavy water).