1-Deoxynojirimycin and Its Derivatives: A Mini Review of the Literature

1-Deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) is a naturally occurred sugar analogue with unique bioactivities. It was found in mulberry leaves and silkworms, as well as in the metabolites of certain microorganisms, including Streptomyces and Bacillus. 1-DNJ is a potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitor and it possesses anti-hyperglycemic, anti-obese, anti-viral and anti-tumor features. Some derivatives of 1-DNJ, like miglitol, miglustat and migalastat, were applied clinically to treat diseases such as diabetes and lysosomal storage disorders. The present review focused on the extraction, determination, pharmacokinetics and bioactivity of 1-DNJ, as well as the clinical application of 1-DNJ derivatives.