Inhibitory Effects of Loranthus Parasiticus Extract on Carbohydrate Digestive Enzymes and Postprandial Hyperglycemia

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate whether Loranthus parasiticus extract (LPE) could inhibit the activities of carbohydrate digestive enzymes and alleviate postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. Lyophilized L. parasiticus was extracted with 80% ethanol and concentrated. The inhibitory effects of LPE on carbohydrate digestive enzymes were evaluated by examining α-glucosidase and αamylase, and it was seen to inhibit the activities of both enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. More specifically, the IC50 values of LPE against α-glucosidase and α-amylase were 0.121±0.007 and 0.157± 0.004 mg/ml, respectively, significantly lower than those of acarbose, showing that LPE has stronger inhibitory effects than the positive control. These results suggest that LPE strongly inhibits the activities of these digestive enzymes. Blood glucose levels in the control group of diabetic mice increased to 490.00±28.52 mg/dl and 474.60±25.30 mg/dl at 60 and 120 min after a meal, respectively. However, when LPE was added to starch, postprandial blood glucose levels were significantly reduced (463.0±23.73 and 418.5±24.50 mg/dl at 60 and 120 min, respectively; p<0.05). The area under the curve also significantly decreased following administration of LPE, with no cytotoxicity. These results therefore indicate that LPE could be used as an α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitor and delay carbohydrate digestion and, thus, glucose absorption after a meal.