Evaluation of alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of vinca rosea

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has developed into serious health problem worldwide. á-glucosidase inhibitors are used in management of Type II Diabetes mellitus. Medicinal plants are known to be effective in treating various diseases and disorders. Catharanthus roseus belonging to family Apocyanaceae is very well known for its anticancer property. The present study was aimed to compare the alpha glucosidase inhibitory effect of leaves and flowers extracts of Vinca rosea by an in-vitro assay. Methanolic extracts were obtained using Soxhlet apparatus. Yeast alpha glucosidase was used as the enzyme source. Acarbose was used as the reference drug. The % inhibition was calculated. The results proved that both leaves and flowers extract of Vinca rosea possess a-glucosidase inhibitor activity. The leaf extract (57.87%)showed a better activity when compared to flower extracts(48.31%). The result supports Vinca rosea a potential source in treating Diabetes mellitus.