Is Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibition a Mechanism of the Antidiabetic Action of Garlic (<i>Allium sativum</i>)?

Abstract

Objective: There has been a global surge in the number of diabetic cases. Many of the agents used as antidiabetic are either expensive or have side effects. Researchers are now turning their attention to phytotherapy as a viable alternative in the treatment of hyperglycemia. The aim of this study was to examine the inhibition of α-glucosidase as a possible mechanism of antidiabetic action of garlic. Method: The inhibitory effect of different concentrations of garlic was examined for alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity in a 96-well micro plate. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as the source of alpha-glucosidase and the assay was analyzed with a Thermo Scientific® Multiskan Spectropho-meter at an absorbance of 400 nm. Result: The extracts of garlic exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of alpha-glucosidase in comparison to acarbose. The IC50 of acarbose was 3.19 ± 0.42 mg/ml, for garlic, the IC50 was 16.93 mg/ml. Conclusion: In this study, garlic oil showed some promise as an antidiabetic agent with a mechanism of action similar to acarbose and miglitol that are currently used as antidiabetics. It is hoped that carrying out further research on garlic will elucidate other mechanisms of action.

A comprehensive phytochemical, biological, and toxicological studies of roots and aerial parts of Crotalaria burhia Buch.-Ham: An important medicinal plant

“…Although synthetic medications have advanced, the number of people with diabetes continues to rise at an alarming rate. Several medicinal herbs, including curcumin, have been demonstrated to be beneficial in the diabetes ( Choudhury et al, 2018 ; Obih et al, 2019 ). The alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors acarbose, miglitol, and viglibose have been established.…”

GCMS fingerprints and phenolic extracts of Allium sativum inhibit key enzymes associated with type 2 diabetes

“…Inhibition of enzymes that convert short-chain oligosaccharides to glucose is a putative approach, and α-glucosidase/α-amylase inhibitors have been effective in that regard. 17 , 50 Whereas conventional therapies are bound to have adverse effects, medicinal plants provide a good source of potent natural products with glucose-lowering potential. In the past, we have reported the antidiabetic activity of various natural products and plant extracts.…”

“… 56 Similarly, A. sativum bulbs inhibited both enzymes with IC 50 values similar to that of the acarbose standard. 50 Therefore, we reasoned that the phenolic extract of A. sativum has antidiabetic potential and that certain bioactive compounds might be responsible for that activity.…”