2025/09/17 by Okokon, Jude E., Osigwe, Chinyelu C., Uwaeme, Ugonma F.
#Solanum anomalum #alpha amylase #alpha glucosidase #hypoglycemia
paper · doi:10.60787/nijophasr-v13-i4-568
Background: Solanum anomalum Thonn. ex Schumach. (family Solanaceae) is an edible shrub whose fruits and leaves are traditionally used to treat various diseases, including diabetes. This study evaluated the effects of its extract and fractions on alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes in vivo. Methods: The extract (200–600 mg/kg) and fractions (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, 400 mg/kg) of S. anomalum were tested for inhibitory effects on alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes in rats using starch, sucrose, and maltose as substrates. Acarbose was used as the reference drug. Results: The fruit extract (600 mg/kg) and the ethyl acetate fraction significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose levels in treated rats across all substrate types. The ethyl acetate fraction and the 600 mg/kg extract exhibited the highest inhibitory effects on alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, followed by the dichloromethane fraction. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the fruit extract and fractions of S. anomalum have promising inhibitory effects on alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes, suggesting potential antidiabetic activity in vivo.