DOI: https://doi.org/10.14456/jsat.2025.2
Abstract
Salivary α-amylase inhibitors (SaAIs) derived from spices and herbs have shown promise for the effective management of type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to identify potential SaAIs from aqueous extracts of 15 commonly used plants. Among these, Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. exhibited the highest inhibitory activity, followed by Mimosa pudica L., Ipomoea aquatica Forssk., and Gymnema inodorum (Lour.) Decne. Phytochemical analysis indicated
that A. lebbeck demonstrated the strongest amylase inhibition, which was attributed to its high content of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. M. pudica also showed a significant saponin concentration. I. aquatica displayed notable amylase inhibitory activity linked to its phenolic, flavonoid, and protein content, although it also contained a high amount of reducing sugars. G. inodorum exhibited inhibition through a combination of phenolics, flavonoids,
saponins, and proteins. The findings provide compelling evidence that dietary intake of A. lebbeck, I. aquatica, and G. inodorum may positively influence glycemic control. These results suggest that all four plants are promising candidates for further in vivo studies and potential drug development in mammalian models and humans.
Keywords: Plant extract, amylase inhibitor, tannin content, phenolic content
Received: May 10, 2025. Revised: May 30, 2025. Accepted: May 31, 2025.
