Corresponding Author's : Sadhna Jain

Co-Author's : Gayatri Banerjee

Abstract :

Alpha amylase, an enzyme which helps in digestion of starch and glycogen. Inhibition of this enzyme holds off carbohydrate metabolism and extends the total carbohydrate digestion time, thereby reducing the postprandial plasma glucose rise. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) has been commonly used as a traditional medicine and spice. It is known to have hypoglycemic effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sprouting time on alpha amylase inhibitory activity of fenugreek seeds germinated over a 10 days period. Germinated seeds were dried, powdered, and stored at 4 C. Acarbose, an anti-diabetic drug was used for comparing our results. In vitro inhibitory alpha amylase assay was carried out for the aqueous seed extracts and for Acarbose. IC values were 50 also determined. The germination process influenced the amylase inhibitory activity of fenugreek seeds with the maximum percentage of inhibition obtained on 3 day of sprouting (38.2%) for aqueous extract. Acarbose showed 31.7% amylase inhibition. An IC50 assay of 3rd day fenugreek extract gave a value of 19.87 mg/ml, while for Acarbose an IC50 value of 4.33 mg/ml was obtained. These studies indicate that germinated seed extracts have higher potential for usage as a pharmaceutical agent for treating hyperglycemia.

Keywords :

Alpha amylase, Fenugreek, Sprouting time, Alpha amylase inhibitory activity, Acarbose

Article Details

Unique Paper ID: 56

Publication Volume & Issue: VOLUME 2 , ISSUE 3

Page(s): 35-38

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