In vivo Alpha Amylase and Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Hippocratea africana Root Extract and Fractions
Published: 2021-09-01
Page: 169-176
Issue: 2021 - Volume 4 [Issue 4]
Jude Efiom Okokon
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
John A. Udobang *
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
Chinyere P. Chidiebere
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
Augustine I. Bassey
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To study the in vivo alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory activities of Hippocratea africana root extract and fractions.
Methods: The root extract (200, 400, 600 mg/kg) and fractions (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol, 400 mg/kg) of H. africana were evaluated in rats for inhibitory effect on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes using starch, sucrose and maltose as substrates. The substance used for reference was Acarbose.
Results: The effect of extract resulted in significant (P.˂.05) reduction in blood glucose levels of treated rats though non dose-dependently with the various substrates used. The ethyl acetate fraction exerted the highest inhibitory effect when starch was used as a substrate, while ethyl acetate followed by methanol were the most active fractions when maltose and sucrose were used as substrates.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the root extract and fractions of H. africana have the potentials to inhibit alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase in rats and thus reduce blood glucose levels.
Keywords: Acarbose, alpha amylase, alpha glucosidase, hypoglycemia, Hippocratea africana