The synthesis and enzyme assay of 2,8-dihydroxyindolizidines (5) were descr
ibed. Four diastereomers of these were prepared from trans-4-hydroxy-L-prol
ine (6) which is commercially available amino acid. Among synthetic compoun
ds 5a(1) and 5b(2) showed medium potent inhibition to alpha-amyloglycosidas
e, while 5a(2) displayed medium activity to alpha-glucosidase.