In Vitro  α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity of the Leaves of Thespesia populnea

Postprandial hyperglycemia is a prime characteristic of diabetes mellitus and has been a focus in the therapy for diabetes. One of the therapeutic approaches which involve decreasing hyperglycemia aims at inhibiting the enzyme α-amylase. The leaves of T. populnea were studied for the presence of amylase inhibitors. The fractions obtained by successive fractionation using solvents of varying polarity were studied for the presence of primary and secondary metabolites. The total phenolic content of the different fractions was determined by HPLC and was correlated with their amylase inhibitory potential. Similarly, the protein content of the extracts was also estimated to understand the nature of the inhibitor present. This study shows that the leaves of T. populnea were effective in inhibiting α-amylase, thereby proving to be potential hyperglycemic agents.