Isolation and structural determination of two naturally occurring inhibitors for salivary alpha-amylase, a possible role as hypoglycemic drugs

ABSTRACT

To screen for human salivary alpha amylase [HSA] inhibitors, a possible role as hypoglycemic drugs. Different plants either randomly or based on the traditional use in diabetes mellitus control were collected. Total extract of each plant was prepared using different solvents and the inhibition study was performed on each extract using spectrophotometric and thin layer chromatography [TLC] methods. The two plant extracts which showed maximum inhibition, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Salix tetrasperma were chosen for study. The compound causing the inhibition was isolated from each plant and its chemical structure was determined. This work led to the isolation and characterization of two novel human alpha-amylase inhibitors. Alpha-amylase inhibitors lead to decrease in glucose absorption and subsequently decrease postprandial blood glucose level which is favorable for treatment of diabetes mellitus and obesity