IN VITRO -GLUCOSIDASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF VARIOUS TEA (Camellia sinensis L.) EXTRACTS

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia [1]. DM is classified based on the pathogenic process that leads to hyperglycemia as opposed to earlier criteria such as age of onset or type of therapy. There are two broad categories of DM, designated type 1 and type 2 [2]. There were 10 million cases of diabetes in Indonesia in 2015. The number of these cases is predicted to continue rising [3]. Therapeutic approaches for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, such as diet, sulphonylurea, metformin and insulin therapy, are all successful in decreasing fasting glucose levels. The importance of postprandial hyperglycaemia has led to the development of new agents to control this important aspect of diabetes.Thus, α-glucosidase enzyme has become one of important target in the treatment of type-2 diabetes [4,5]. α-glucosidase inhibition will slow the digestion of carbohydrate and absorbtion of monosaccahrides in the proximal jejenum [6]. Acarbose is an oligosaccharide which reversibly inhibits intestinal α-glucosidase enzymes responsible for digestion of complex carbohydrates and disaccharides to absorbable monosaccharides [7]. The most common adverse effect of acarbose is abdominal discomfort associated with flatulence and diarrhoea [8]. The undesirable side effects that exist underlie the emergence of research for alternative therapy of type 2 diabetes, particularly through the mechanism of inhibition enzyme α-glucosidase.