Effects of Aphloia theiformis on key enzymes related to diabetes mellitus

AbstractContext: Aphloia theiformis (Vahl.) Benn. (Flacourtiaceae) (AT) is traditionally used for the management of diabetes mellitus (DM), but there is no scientific data regarding activity against enzymes linked to this condition.Objective: To evaluate the kinetics of AT on key enzymes inhibition related to DM, and establish the antioxidant profile of AT.Materials and methods: Dried powdered AT leaves were used to prepare crude methanol extract (70% v/v) (CME). Kinetics of CME (5000 to 156.25 μg/mL) on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase inhibition were studied. CME was partitioned using solvents of increasing polarity and kinetics of enzyme inhibition of each fraction (1000–31.25 μg/mL) was evaluated. Potent fractions were combined to assess any synergistic effect. Total phenol, flavonoid, tannin, anthocyanin contents, and antioxidant capacity of AT was evaluated using standard spectrophotometric methods.Results: CME, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol fractions showed potent inhibitory activities against t...