Apple and banana displayed better inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity than vildagliptin

Background: The inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) activity increases the level of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which in turn reduces diabetes-induced hyperglycemia. A group of synthetic drugs known as gliptins have been developed to inhibit the activity of this enzyme. However, these drugs are bedevilled with many drawbacks including deleterious side effect and safety concerns. Therefore this study is aimed at evaluating the inhibitory effect of some tropical fruits on the activity of DPP-IV since they are part of human diet.