α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity assessment of <em>Cucurbita maxima </em>seeds – a LIBS based study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the aqueous extract of <em>Cucurbita maxima</em> seeds <em>in vitro</em> and to correlate their activity with their phytoelemental profile quantitatively assessed by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Diabetes can be managed by controlling postprandial hyperglycemia which can be achieved by inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Results reveal that the <em>C. maxima</em> seeds have appreciable α-amylase inhibitory activity of 46.03±1.37% with IC<sub>50</sub> value at 7.00±0.29 mg ml<sup>-1</sup> in addition to substantial α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of 35.11±1.04% with IC<sub>50</sub> at 8.11±0.36 mg ml<sup>-1</sup>. Acarbose was used as a reference. LIBS analysis showed the presence of certain phytoelements viz. Mg, Ca, K and Na which are well known glycemic elements and hence could be responsible for inhibitory activity of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes.Thus, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory action of <em>C. maxima</em> seeds would be responsible for their antidiabetic activity. The glycemic elemental profile further validates their role in controlling diabetes and hence <em>C. maxima</em> seeds could be explored as a potential herbal candidate for managing postprandial hyperglycemia causing type 2 diabetes mellitus.