Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Potential of Overnight Soaked Aqueous Extract of Abelmoschus esculentus

Abstract

Phytochemicals are secondary metabolites which act as antioxidants and possess various protective role.Alpha Amylase and Alpha Glucosidase enzymes catalyse hydrolysis of starch to simple sugars. Abelmoschus esculentus is a flowering plant of the Malvaceae family and is valued for its green seed pods. It naturally possesses anti-diabetic property, acts as a starch blocker as it prevents the absorption of starch in the body. Abelmoschus esculentus was cut vertically to open and added to 50ml of water. Soaked overnight and the aqueous extract was decanted and used for the phytochemical screening test followed by the evaluation of antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. The data were analysed statistically by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. Overnight soaked extract of Abelmoschus esculentus exhibited a significant antioxidant potential (IC50=280 µg/ml) and compared with standard vitamin C. Alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory potential of Abelmoschus esculentus was analysed (IC50=380µg/ml and 320µg/ml respectively) and compared with standard acarbose. Though Abelmoschus esculentus is a common vegetable, its efficiency increases when soaking overnight.