Efficacy of Emilia coccinea aqueous extract on inhibition of α-amylase enzyme activity and insulin resistance in dexamethasone treated-rats

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic metabolic diseases throughout the world, characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Emilia coccinea (AEEC) leaves on dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in rats and on in vitro α-amylase enzyme activity. METHODS: Insulin resistance was induced by intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) for 8 days in rats. The animals were concomitant received extracts at doses of 107.5; 215; 430 mg/kg for this period. At the end of the treatment, blood glucose level, lipid profile, transaminases, triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, body mass and relative organ weight were evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that AEEC inhibits α-amylase enzyme with an IC(50) of 34.10 μg/ml in vitro. AEEC significantly reduced blood glucose level, triglycerides, TyG index, total and LDL cholesterol, liver weight and increased HDL cholesterol. Moreover, it reduced ALAT and ASAT activity. These parameters were strongly modify by dexamethasone. CONCLUSION: AEEC plays antidiabetic roles by ameliorating insulin resistance and reducing postprandial blood glucose level through α-amylase enzyme inhibition.