Polyopes lancifolia Extract, a Potent α-Glucosidase Inhibitor, Alleviates Postprandial Hyperglycemia in Diabetic Mice

This study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Polyopes lancifolia extract (PLE) on α-glucosidase activity, α-amylase activitiy, and postprandial hyperglycemia in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The results of this study revealed a marked inhibitory effect of PLE on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. The IC50s of PLE against α-glucosidase and α-amylase were 0.20 mg/mL and 0.35 mg/mL, respectively. PLE was a more effective inhibitor of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities than acarbose, the positive control. The postprandial blood glucose levels of STZ-induced diabetic mice were significantly lower in the PLE treated group than in the control group. Moreover, PLE administration was associated with a decreased area under the curve for the glucose response in diabetic mice. These results indicate that PLE may be a potent inhibitor of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities and may suppress postprandial hyperglycemia.