The different concentrations of the extract are used to determine the optimal concentration for inhibiting the enzyme

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 36 views

The Activity of Inhibiting the α-Glucosidase Enzyme from the Ethanol Extract of African Leaves (Vernonia Amygdalina Del.) In-Vitro

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood, known as hyperglycemia. This disease is often accompanied by disorders in carbohydrate metabolism, lipids, and protein due to inadequate insulin function. One approach to treating type 2 diabetes mellitus is to inhibit the work of the α-glucosidase enzyme. This enzyme functions in the process of conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, so that inhibition can help control blood sugar levels. The α-glucosidase enzyme is a key player in the digestion of carbohydrates, and its inhibition has been shown to be effective in reducing postprandial glucose levels.

Research Purposes

This study aims to determine the activity of inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme and understanding the kinetic mechanism of the ethanol extract of African leaves (Vernonia amygdalina del.). The study also aims to explore the potential of African leaf extract as an alternative to therapeutic in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The research focuses on the inhibitory activity of the ethanol extract of African leaves against the α-glucosidase enzyme, and the kinetic mechanism of the inhibition.

Methodology

African leaves are extracted by the method of maceration using 96% ethanol solvent. The extraction method is a crucial step in obtaining the active compounds from the leaves. To test the activity of inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme, testing is carried out with a different concentration of ethanol extract, which is 12.5 μg/ml; 25 μg/ml; 50 μg/ml; 100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml. The different concentrations of the extract are used to determine the optimal concentration for inhibiting the enzyme. Measurements are carried out using a microplate reader to measure P-nitofenyl absorbance, a product from an enzymatic reaction, at a wavelength of 405 nm. In addition, to analyze the kinetics of inhibition, the Michaelis-Menten method is used.

Results

The results showed that the ethanol extract of African leaves had inhibitory activity against the α-glucosidase enzyme with an IC50 value of 98.63 ± 0.95 μg/ml. This value is lower than the IC50 of the Akarbose which reaches 133.19 ± 0.60 μg/ml, with a significant difference (p <0.05). Further testing shows that this extract inhibits the activity of α-glucosidase enzymes competitively. Without inhibitors, the VMAX obtained is 0.41 M1.S-1 with KM of 1.22 M. Meanwhile, with the inhibitor, VMAX increased to 0.46 M1.S-1 and KM to 4.44 M. The results indicate that the ethanol extract of African leaves has a significant inhibitory activity against the α-glucosidase enzyme.

Conclusion

From the results of the study it can be concluded that the ethanol extract of African leaves has a significant inhibitory activity of the α-glucosidase enzyme with a competitive inhibition mechanism. This discovery shows the potential of African leaf extract as an alternative to therapeutic in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in regulating blood glucose levels. The importance of this study not only lies in the proof of the effectiveness of African leaf extract, but also provides new insights in the development of more natural and safe antidiabetic drugs. In the context of public health, the use of herbal ingredients can be a strategic step in overcoming the increase in the prevalence of diabetes that continues to increase throughout the world.

Future Directions

The study provides a foundation for further research on the potential of African leaf extract as a therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Future studies can focus on the isolation and characterization of the active compounds responsible for the inhibitory activity of the α-glucosidase enzyme. Additionally, the study can be extended to explore the potential of African leaf extract in combination with other herbal ingredients to enhance its antidiabetic effects.

Limitations

The study has some limitations, including the use of a single extraction method and the limited number of concentrations tested. Future studies can address these limitations by using different extraction methods and testing a wider range of concentrations. Additionally, the study can be extended to explore the potential of African leaf extract in different populations and with different health conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study demonstrates the potential of African leaf extract as a therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results show that the ethanol extract of African leaves has a significant inhibitory activity against the α-glucosidase enzyme with a competitive inhibition mechanism. The study provides new insights in the development of more natural and safe antidiabetic drugs, and highlights the importance of exploring the potential of herbal ingredients in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Activity of Inhibiting the α-Glucosidase Enzyme from the Ethanol Extract of African Leaves (Vernonia Amygdalina Del.) In-Vitro

Q: What is the α-glucosidase enzyme and why is it important to inhibit it?

A: The α-glucosidase enzyme is a key player in the digestion of carbohydrates, and its inhibition has been shown to be effective in reducing postprandial glucose levels. Inhibiting this enzyme can help control blood sugar levels and manage type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Q: What is the significance of the study on the ethanol extract of African leaves (Vernonia amygdalina del.)?

A: The study demonstrates the potential of African leaf extract as a therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results show that the ethanol extract of African leaves has a significant inhibitory activity against the α-glucosidase enzyme with a competitive inhibition mechanism.

Q: What is the IC50 value and what does it indicate?

A: The IC50 value is the concentration of the extract required to inhibit 50% of the enzyme activity. In this study, the IC50 value of the ethanol extract of African leaves was 98.63 ± 0.95 μg/ml, which is lower than the IC50 of the Akarbose.

Q: What is the competitive inhibition mechanism and how does it work?

A: The competitive inhibition mechanism is a type of inhibition where the inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site of the enzyme. In this study, the ethanol extract of African leaves was found to inhibit the α-glucosidase enzyme competitively, which means that it competes with the substrate for the active site of the enzyme.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using African leaf extract as a therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A: The potential benefits of using African leaf extract as a therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus include its natural and safe antidiabetic properties, its ability to regulate blood glucose levels, and its potential to reduce the risk of complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Q: What are the limitations of the study and what can be done to address them?

A: The study has some limitations, including the use of a single extraction method and the limited number of concentrations tested. Future studies can address these limitations by using different extraction methods and testing a wider range of concentrations.

Q: What are the future directions for research on the potential of African leaf extract as a therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A: Future studies can focus on the isolation and characterization of the active compounds responsible for the inhibitory activity of the α-glucosidase enzyme. Additionally, the study can be extended to explore the potential of African leaf extract in combination with other herbal ingredients to enhance its antidiabetic effects.

Q: What is the significance of the study in the context of public health?

A: The study provides new insights in the development of more natural and safe antidiabetic drugs, and highlights the importance of exploring the potential of herbal ingredients in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the context of public health, the use of herbal ingredients can be a strategic step in overcoming the increase in the prevalence of diabetes that continues to increase throughout the world.

Q: What are the potential applications of the study in the development of new antidiabetic drugs?

A: The study provides a foundation for further research on the potential of African leaf extract as a therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results can be used to develop new antidiabetic drugs that are more natural and safe than existing treatments.