Research Articles

2021  |  Vol: 6(4)  |  Issue: 4 (July- August) | https://doi.org/10.31024/apj.2021.6.4.3

Inhibitory effect of leaf fractions of Setaria megaphylla on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase activities in rats

Jude E. Okokon¹, Koofreh Davies², Lekara John², Klinton Iwara², Hemant Kumar Bankhede^3*

¹Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria

²Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria,

³Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, RKDF University, Bhopal, MP India   

*Address for Corresponding author

Hemant Kumar Bankhede^3*

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, RKDF university, Bhopal, MP India E-Email: hemant_16aug@yahoo.co.in

---

Abstract

Objective: Setaria megaphylla (Steud) Dur & Schinz (Poaceae), a perennial grass used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases including diabetes was evaluated for effect on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes. Materials and methods: The leaf fractions (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, 200 mg/kg) of Setaria megaphylla were evaluated in vivo for inhibitory effect on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes using starch, sucrose and maltose as substrates. Acarbose was used as referenced drug. Results: The leaf fractions caused significant (p<0.05) reduction in blood glucose levels of treated with the various substrates used. n-hexane fraction exerted the highest inhibitory effect when starch and sucrose were used as substrates followed by methanol. Methanol was the most active fraction followed by hexane when maltose was used as substrate. The results suggest that the leaf fractions of S. megaphylla have the potentials to inhibit alpha amylase and glucosidases in rats.

Keywords: Setaria megaphylla; hypoglycemia, alpha amylase, alpha glucosidase