Screening of Inhibitory Activity against α-Amylase of Fungal Endophytes Isolated from Medicinal Plants in Uzbekistan
Abstract
Diabetes is a common metabolic disorder characterized by abnormally increased plasma glucose levels. Postprandial hyperglycemia plays an essential role in development of type 2 diabetes. Inhibitors of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes such as α-amylase retard the liberation of glucose from dietary complex carbohydrates and delay the absorption of glucose. The purpose of the study was to isolate and select α-amylase inhibitor-producing endophytic fungi from well-known medicinal plants used in the treatment for diabetes and inhabiting in Uzbekistan. The obtained data showed that 100 fungal endophytes isolated from 16 local antidiabetic plants produce metabolites with potent inhibiting activity in vitro (60-82%) and are expected to be a source for therapeutic agents in treatment of diabetes.