Abstract

SEASONAL EFFECT ON IN VITRO ALPHA AMYLASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF MURRYA KOENIGII LEAVES

Tanaya Ghosh, Prasenjit Mitra and Prasanta Kumar Mitra*

Abstract

Pharmacological activities of medicinal plants vary with season. Murrya koenigii Linn. Spreng Wettst (M. koenigii L.) is a medicinal plant being used in traditional medicine since long. Recently we have confirmed in vitro alpha amylase inhibitory activity of M. koenigii L. leaves. Aim of the present work was to see the seasonal effect on in vitro alpha amylase inhibitory activity of M. koenigii L. leaves, if any. Leaves of M. koenigii L. were collected in winter, summer, autumn and rainy seasons from the local market and authenticated by the taxonomist. Leaves were extracted with ethanol and the extract was checked for in vitro alpha amylase inhibitory activity by the standard method. Acarbose, a standard alpha amylase inhibitor, was used as control. Results showed that M. koenigii L. leaves of rainy season (June – August) had maximum alpha amylase inhibitory activity. Result was comparable to that of acarbose. Leaves of M. koenigii L. of rainy season may therefore be utilized to keep post prandial blood sugar of the diabetic patient under control and thereby used in the treatment of diabetes.

Keywords: Murrya koenigii linn. Leaves, alpha amylase inhibitory activity, seasonal variation, acarbose, diabetes.