Exploring the α-Amylase Inhibitory Potential of Peronema canescens Jack: An In Vitro and In Silico Study

Abstract

Hyperglycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus is primarily driven by
the rapid hydrolysis of starch by the enzyme α-amylase in the pancreas and the
breakdown of oligosaccharides by α-glucosidase in the intestine. Peronema canescens
Jack. (PC) has shown promise as a potential antidiabetic agent. This study aimed to
evaluate the total flavonoid, phenolic, and α-amylase inhibitory activity of extracts
and fractions derived from PC leaves using both in vitro and in silico approaches. The
ethanol extract of PC leaves was fractionated through liquid-liquid extraction using
n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water as solvents. Preliminary phytochemical screening
of the extracts and fractions identified the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins,
tannins, and steroids/triterpenoids. The n-hexane fraction exhibited the highest total
flavonoid content, averaging 203.37±4.38 mg QE/gram, while the ethyl acetate
fraction demonstrated the highest total phenolic content, averaging 147.04±0.79 mg
GAE/gram. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the strongest α-amylase
inhibitory activity, with an average inhibition rate of 70.38±1.26%. In silico analysis,
combined with GC-MS identification, suggested that three compounds, bis(2ethylhexyl)
phthalate,
myristyl
oleate,
and
14
beta
H-pregna
may
contribute
to
the

observed

α-amylase inhibitory activity. These findings highlight the potential of PC
as a source of natural antidiabetic agents.

KEYWORDS:
α-amylase inhibitory activity,
in vitro and in silico analysis,
natural antidiabetic agents,
Peronema canescens Jack.,
total flavonoid and phenolic content