No abstract

Vigna trilobata (L.) VERDC. belongs to family Papilionaceae found throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. In folk medicine, it is used in arthritis, fever, cough, dysentery and urinogenital disorders. Different secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids have been reported in Vigna trilobata. Antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory activities have been shown by Vigna trilobata.

Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek commonly known as Mung bean is one of the most important pulse crops, grown from tropical to subtropical areas around the world. Mung bean is reported to help in preventing the loss of nails and hairs, and also reduces the risk of hypercholesterolemia, coronary heart disease and decreases the absorption of toxic substances. Flavonoids and phenols are reported from this plant. Antioxidant, antidiabetic and hypocholestrolemic activities are also shown by Vigna radiata.

A large number of people suffer from gall stone worldwide and this problem is now being increased significantly due to the malnutrition, changes in living style, lack of exercise and conditions i.e. industrialization. Medicinal plants are used from centuries due to their cultural acceptability, efficacy, safety and fewer side effects as compared to modern synthetic medicines. The aim of this review is to gather the information of the plants utilized in various parts and societies of the world against gallstones. The information provided is not only useful for common people but also for the scientific community for further phytochemical, toxicological and pharmacological studies which may lead to discovery of new, more effective and safer medicines for gallstones.

Introduction: Study was taken with an objective to investigate the inhibitory effect of Phaseolus lunatus seeds extract on three enzymes (α-amylase, maltase and glucoamylase) which are involved in diabetes. The disadvantages related with the use of synthetic drugs make it necessary to search for alternative drugs from medicinal plants. One therapeutic approach for the treatment of postprandial hyperglycaemia is to decrease the plasma glucose level which can be attained by lowering the starch hydrolysis by digestive enzymes such as α-amylase, maltase and glucoamylase. The use of synthetic antidiabetic agents caused gastrointestinal side effects.  Methods: Hence, the research was aimed to evaluate the potential of Phaseolus lunatus seeds extract to inhibit α-amylase, maltase and glucoamylase as a possible mechanism of hypoglycemia caused by this plant with less side effects.  Phaseolus lunatus, also known as Lima bean, is native to Tropical America and are grown throughout the world. Lima bean has been prescribed traditionally to treat different diseases including diabetes. Result: The results of the present study showed that Phaseolus lunatus seeds extract have exerted both time and concentration dependent significant inhibitory effect on these digestive enzymes which might be due to cumulative effect of phytoconstituents present in the plant extract. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be said that the part of mechanisms by which Phaseolus lunatus exhibited its antidiabetic activity might be through the inhibition of these digestive enzyme.