Abstract

ISOLATION OF AN ALPHA GLUCOSIDASE INHIBITOR FROM MURRYA KOENIGII LEAVES

Tanaya Ghosh, Prasenjit Mitra, Prasanta Kumar Mitra*

ABSTRACT

Medicinal plants are known possessing alpha glucosidase inhibitory activity. Recently we have observed that ethanol extract of Murrya koenigii Linn. Spreng Wettst (M. koenigii L.) leaves has maximum in vitro alpha glucosidase inhibitory activity. Aim of the present work was to isolate alpha glucosidase inhibitor from M. koenigii L. leaves. M. koenigii L. was collected from the local market and identified by the taxonomist. Ethanol extract of the plant leaves was prepared and processed for isolation work following standard methods. Solvent extraction and acid hydrolysis were done followed by solvent treatment and chromatographic experiments. Finally a compound was crystallized. In vitro alpha glucosidase inhibitory activity of the crystallized compound was checked by standard method. Acarbose, an alpha glucosidase inhibitor, was used as control. Results showed that the isolated compound had alpha glucosidase inhibitory activity which was comparable to that of acarbose. As alpha glucosidase inhibitors are included in the list of drugs of diabetes, the isolated compound may also be used in the treatment of diabetic patient.

Keywords: Murrya koenigii linn. Leaves, isolated compound, alpha glucosidase inhibitory activity, acarbose, diabetes.