α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity assessment of < em > Cucurbita maxima < /em > seeds – a LIBS based study

The aim of the present study was to investigate, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the aqueous extract ofCucurbita maxima seedsin vitro and to correlate their activity with their phytoelemental profile quantitatively assessed by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Diabetes can be managed by controlling postprandial hyperglycemia which can be achieved by inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Results reveal that theC. maxima seeds have appreciable α-amylase inhibitory activity of 46.03±1.37% with IC50 value at 7.00 ±0.29 mg ml-1 in addition to substantial α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of 35.11±1.04% with IC50 at 8.11 ±0.36 mg ml-1. Acarbose was used as a reference. LIBS analysis showed the presence of certain phytoelements viz. Mg, Ca, K and Na which are well known glycemic elements and hence could be responsible for inhibitory activity of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes.Thus, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory action ofC. maxima seeds would be responsible for their antidiabetic activity. The glycemic elemental profile further validates their role in controlling diabetes and henceC. maxima seeds could be explored as a potential herbal candidate for managing postprandial hyperglycemia causing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Source: International Journal of Phytomedicine - Category: Science Authors: Source Type: research