Potential alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of bioactive fractions from alugbati (Basella alba) leaves

Abstract

This study evaluated the potential in vitro inhibitory activity of <em>Basella alba</em> leaves against enzyme markers of diabetes mellitus, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. The dried plant sample was ground into fine powder, defatted, and soaked in methanol to obtain the crude extract. The crude methanolic extract of <em>Basella alba</em> was then fractionated sequentially in acetone-methanol mixtures with increasing solvent polarity ratios. Fractions obtained were evaluated for their α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. The standard drug, acarbose inhibited 37.44 ± 7.65%, 83.99 ± 0.86%, and 86.52 ± 0.40% of α-amylase activity at 10, 30, and 50 ppm. The highest inhibition was observed in the acetone-methanol (4:1) fraction which inhibited 57.80 ± 0.71%, 56.39 ± 0.49%, and 46.94 ± 0.26% of α-amylase activity, followed by the acetone fraction with inhibitory activity of 22.24 ± 0.41%, 38.05 ± 0.68%, and 46.62 ± 0.32% at increasing concentrations of 50, 200, and 350 ppm, respectively. The acetone-methanol (1:4) mixture exhibited the lowest activity at 8.00 ± 0.35% for 50 ppm, and 0.61 ± 0.27% for 200 ppm. However, no inhibitory activity was demonstrated in any of the fractions of <em>Basella alba</em> against α-glucosidase. Total flavonoid content analysis revealed that all fractions have the same flavonoid content. <em>Basella alba</em> may serve an essential role in managing the risk of diabetes mellitus and is recommended for consumption on a regular basis.