In-vitro amylase and glucosidase inhibitory activity of the extracts of the leaves of Madhuca longifolia

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, a clinical condition which ensues mostly in micro and macrovascular complications. Management of diabetes involves the control of hyperglycemia using agents which can inhibit enzymes like amylase and glucosidase. This study was aimed at investigating the naturally available inhibitors of amylase and glucosidase found in the leaves of Madhuca longifolia. The hexane, chloroform, petroleum ether, ethanol and hydroalcoholic extracts of the leaves of
M. longifolia were studied for their inhibitory potential against amylase and glucosidase. The extracts were found to exhibit potential equivalent to that exhibited by the standard inhibitor, acarbose. The hydroalcoholic extract was the most potent with an IC50 of 1.8 mg/ml, much comparable to that of acarbose (IC50 = 0.9 mg/ml). These findings suggest that the leaves of M. longifolia may be a promising source for the development of oral hypoglycemic agents.