Abstract: A compound expressed by chemical structural formula:
having the characteristic of specifically inhibiting the activity of &agr;-glucosidase (an enzyme that breaks down disaccharides, etc.) at the intestinal level. The compound is obtained by extraction and fractionation from Salacia prinoides and/or Salacia oblonga, which are used as natural drugs. A highly safe antidiabetic agent and dieting agent are produced using the compound as a base.