Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory and hypoglycemic activities of Areca catechu extract.

α–glycosidase in-vitro inhibitory activity and hypoglycemic effect by oral administration in rats of arecanut ethanol extracts have been investigated. Arecanut extract showed in-vitro inhibitory activity of intestinal α –glucosiadse enzymes maltase and sucrase and IC50 values of maltase and sucrase activity was found to be 12µg/ml and 30 µg/ml of arecanut extract respectively. The purpose of study is to know that arecanut extract alpha-glycosidase inhibition could reduce intestinal absorption of monosaccharides by inhibiting disaccharide hydrolysis. The post prandial elevation in blood glucose level at 30 and 60 min after administration of maltose with ethanol arecanut extracts (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg doses) showed significant suppression compared to control group rats. These results suggest that the arecanut extract has potent α-glucosidase inhibitors and would be effective in suppression of elevation in blood glucose after oral administration of maltose to rats.