α-Glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition potentials of ten wild Mexican species of Verbenaceae

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the inhibitory activity of 10 wild Verbenaceae species from Mexico against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Methods: Ethanol leaf extracts of 10 Verbenaceae species from Mexico were prepared. The inhibitory activity of the extracts against α-glucosidase and α-amylase was evaluated using enzymatic protocols. At least four serial diluted concentrations of each extract was used to calculate the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ). Results: The 10 evaluated Verbenaceae species showed high α-glucosidase inhibition activity, but a low inhibitory effect on α-amylase. Aloysia gratissima (IC 50 = 0.122 mg/mL), Verbena carolina (IC 50 = 0.112 mg/mL), Bouchea prismatica (IC 50 = 0.122 mg/mL), Verbena menthiflora (IC 50 = 0.071mg/mL) and Priva mexicana (IC 50 = 0.032 mg/mL) exhibited the strongest inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase. Conclusion: All the Verbenaceae species studied possess α-glucosidase inhibitory effect, with P. mexicana being the one with the strongest activity. These findings demonstrate the highs potential of these species as a source of natural antihyperglycemic agents for type 2 diabetes therapy.