In-Vitro Inhibitory Effects of Sansevieria Trifasciata 'Laurentii' (Snake Plant) Extract On Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase Activities

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects four million Filipinos per year, most of them relying on Acarbose, a drug available on the market which manifests some risky side effects to the patients taking them, with worse cases leading to death of the person. This study aims to prove the in vitro anti-diabetic activities of Sansevieria trifasciata " ̃Laurentii' through determining its percentage rates of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition.

METHODS

A kilogram of Snake Plant first underwent extraction and was stored inside a low-temperature container for 3 days. After the extraction, 1.68 mg/mL, 3.36 mg/mL, 6.72 mg/mL, and 13.40 mg/mL concentrations of Acarbose and Snake Plant extract were made. Three replicates were made for the Snake Plant and one for the Acarbose. The concentrations were tested to inhibit the alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes. Using UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, the absorbance rates were determined and results were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA.

RESULTS

Results indicate that the Snake Plant is capable of inhibiting alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase-thus proving its effectivity against diabetes. 13.40 mg/mL was identified as the most effective concentration out of the four levels as it exhibited 38.6% average alpha-amylase inhibition rate and 71.3% average inhibition rate of the alpha-glucosidase enzyme. Next to this is the 6.72 mg/mL, with inhibition rates of60% of alpha-glucosidase and 32.6% alpha-amylase; then 3.36 mg/mL, with 52.1% and 26.5%; then lastly the 1.68 mg/mL with 16.4% and34.1%.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on statistical tests, the results regarding the percentage of inhibition of Snake Plant to both alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes are comparable to the Acarbose's inhibition rates. Thus, we can conclude that Snake Plant could be an effective anti-diabetic plant since it effectively inhibited both enzymes.