Abstract
Diabetic mellitus (DM) is considered as a serious global health problem that is characterized by hyperglycemia. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is most common among the diabetic population. In Type 2 diabetes mellitus, inhibition of α-amylase offers an effective strategy to lower the blood sugar level via control of starch breakdown. The current study was carried out to evaluate α-amylase inhibitory activity of Siddha poly herbal formulation Madhumegachooranam which is being used by the Siddha physicians to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The assay revealed the presence of the α-amylase activity in a significant manner. Further the anti oxidant activity assessed by two different methods exhibited the good inhibition results compared with that of control. The results revealed that when the concentration increased from 12.5 to 100ug/ml, percentage of inhibition increased from 37.22 % to 61.65 % and at a concentration of 100 ug/ml there was a decrease in cell viability. The IC50 value was obtained at 20.2ug/ml. Phytochemical screening of the tested sample revealed the presence of plant constituents alkaloid, flavanoid, glycosides and terpinoids. This study lends hope for treating Type 2 diabetes mellitus in a combined way in that of mixture of α-amylase inhibition, anti-oxidant activity and presence of useful active principles.
