in vitro α amylase and amyloglucosidase inhibitory activities of selected underutilized cereals, yams and root crops

Abstract

Diabetes is one of the most challenging global health problems. Currently, reducing postprandial blood glucose concentration by inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes is recognized as an effective treatment against diabetes. In this study, in vitro α-amylase and amyloglucosidase inhibitory effect of selected, underutilized and locally grown cereals (P. miliaceum, P. scrobiculatum and S. italica), yams (D. alata and D. esculenta) and root crops (L. spinosa and N. nucifera) were evaluated related to their dietary fiber contents. Results showed that the inhibitory effect of selected food crops has a positive correlation with their dietary fiber contents. L. spinosa with higher dietary fiber content generally had higher α-amylase (78.0%) and amyloglucosidase (71.28%) enzyme inhibitory percentages among yams and root crops. Significantly highest (p<0.05) dietary fiber content was in S. italic among three cereal varieties and it showed the highest inhibition activity against α-amylase (67.8%) and amyloglucosidase (59.40%) activity. These tested food crops are considerable sources of dietary fiber and are having α-amylase and amyloglucosidase enzyme inhibitory actions against starch hydrolysis.