In-vitro antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition activity of Cucurbita maxima

Abstract

Cucurbita maxima, belongs to family Cucurbitaceae, is commonly known as pumpkin. Several literature reports suggest it to be antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anticancer, immunomodulators, antibacterial and antihyperlipidaemic. One important approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus is by decreasing the postprandial hyperglycemia in effect. This is possible by inhibiting certain carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme like I±-amylase and I±-glucosidase. The objective of present study was to evaluate in-vitro antioxidant and I±-amylase inhibitory activity of methanolic extract of C. maxima leaves. Methanolic extract of leaves of C. maxima showed strong antioxidant (DPPH scavenging) and I±-amylase inhibition (IC50 125 I¼g/ml and IC50 2.1 mg/ml), respectively. These results suggest the possible use of pumpkin leaves in the management of diabetes mellitus.