Abstract

INHIBITION OF CARBOHYDRATE DIGESTING ENZYMES BY THE METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF THREE POGOSTEMON SPECIES (LAMIACEAE)

K. Muthuraj*, E. Krishnan, K.T. Siva Priya, Abdul Kaffoor H and N. Nagarajan

Abstract

One of the anti-diabetic therapeutic strategies is inhibition of carbohydrate digesting enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In the present study were evaluated for their effect on α-amylase and α- glucosidase enzymes in the methanolic extracts of Pogostemon mollis, Pogostemon vestitus, Pogostemon nilagiricus. by using in vitro assays. Plants extract showed the significant inhibitory activities in α-amylase (IC50values: 901.87 μg/ml, 1020.4 μg/ml and 892.85μg/ml) and α- glucosidase (IC50value: 825.76 μg/ml, 887.19 μg/ml and 819.67 μg/ml). These results suggest that the methanolic extracts of these plants have α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory properties. It could be physiologically useful for treatment of diabetes, although in vivo experiments are needed.

Keywords: Pogostemon, anti-diabetic, carbohydrate, enzymes, ?-amylase, ?-glucosidase, inhibition.