Inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase by Morus alba Linn leaf extracts

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of Morus alba extract from different grades of alcohol and to know which grade is \na potent inhibitor of a- amylase and a- glucosidase enzymes. The screening of plant extracts of different grades was based on in vitro inhibition of a- \namylase and a- glucosidase enzymes. All extracts were subjected to enzyme inhibitory assay by using different concentrations of extracts. The a- \nglucosidase inhibitory activity was higher in 60% alcohol extract with a percentage inhibition of 80.92±2.39 and an IC 50 value of 0.4113, the lowest was \nfound in 100% alcohol extract 30±0.7 % and IC 50 value 0.6315. The 60% alcohol extract at 1mg/ml had an inhibition of 69.69±0.85% for salivary amylase \nand 78.77±0.75% for pancreatic amylase with IC50 value of 0.4594 and 0.482 respectively. The lowest inhibition was found in 100% alcohol extract \n16.58±0.13, and 22.39±0.13% respectively. These results suggest that 60% alcoholic extract of Morus alba is a potent inhibitor of a- amylase and a- \nglucosidase enzymes, therefore it may help in reducing post-prandial absorption of carbohydrates from the intestine.