In Bitro Studies on Alpha Glucosidase and Alpha Amylase Inhibitory Activities of Indigofera Tirunelvelica and Basella Alba

Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disorder characterized by Hyperglycaemia (elevated levels of blood glucose), which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes etc. India is referred to as the “diabetes capital of the world†because. Around 77 million people are diagnosed with diabetes which makes it the second most affected country after China. Since antidiabetic drugs prescribed today have frequent side effects, research on plant-based alternatives is needed. This study aims to find out the antidiabetic activity of Indigofera tirunelvelica and Basella alba by evaluating their in vitro inhibitory enzyme activities. Treatment may involve inhibition of enzymes responsible for carbohydrate degradation, such as Alpha glucosidase and alpha amylase, in order to maintain blood sugar levels. For this experiment, the plant extract was made using methanol, chloroform, and distilled water. The activity of amylase and glucosidase was measured spectrophotometrically. Inhibitory potential was measured using regression equation. IC₅₀ values were calculated for all the samples including Acarbose. The IC₅₀ value of Acarbose(standard) was 13.91μg/ml. The IC₅₀ value of Indigofera tirunelvelica (36.83μg/ml) was less compared to Basella alba (53.96μg/ml) This indicates a stronger inhibitory effect of Indigofera tirunelvelica as it has the nearest value to that of the standard (Acarbose). Significant inhibition was seen in Indigofera tirunelvelica compared to Basella alba which suggests that, these plants can contribute for future research in the treatment of diabetes.