Evaluation of Anti--amylase and Anti--glucosidase Activity of Canna x Generalis L.H Bailey & E.Z Bailey Rhizome

Abstract

Canna x generalis L.H Bailey & E.Z Bailey (CG) has been used as folk medicine to treat different diseases. However, scientific information about the pharmacological effects and chemical composition of this plant is still very limited. This study aims to evaluate for the first time the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of CG rhizome extracts. The rhizome part of CG was extracted with ethanol and then fractionated with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. The total extract and fractions were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in vitro. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction had the strongest inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 53.19 ± 2.79 and 95.83 ± 6.26 µg/mL, respectively. Therefore, the rhizome part of the CG plant, especially the ethyl acetate fraction, is a potential natural source for searching for active ingredients to prevent and treat diabetes.