Comparison of in vitro anti‑lipase, anti-glucosidase and antioxidant activities, of commercial Cucurbitaceae fruits.

MARIA ROSANA RAMIREZ.

Congreso; BIT's 7th Annual World Congress of Food and Nutrition; 2018

BIT Group

It is well known that, glucosidase inhibitors are responsible for interruption of the activity of glucosidase, an enzyme that cleaves the glycosidic bond. These inhibitors allowed revealing the functions of glucosidases in the living system by modifying or blocking specific metabolic processes. The inhibitors of glycosidases have been studied due to their potential use as drugs for the treatment of diabetes and hereditary lysosomal storage diseases. Similarly, the inhibition of digestive lipases is related to the suppression of the dietary fat absorption and, in some way, constitutes a strategy against overweight and obesity. Numerous glycosidase and lipase inhibitors have been discovered from natural sources showing the potential of plants as a source of such compounds. An interest in Cucurbitaceas production has increased considerably in recent years, with a growing number of reports on their potential health benefits. Results of in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that Cucurbitaceae extracts has anti-diabetic effects. Recent studies also showed that extracts may ameliorate high fat diet induced obesity and hyperlipidemia in animal model. The beneficial properties of Cucurbitaceae extracts are mainly attributed to its bioactive phytochemicals. Thus, the purposes of this study were to determine the content of total polyphenols, and antioxidant properties of extracts from freeze-dried Cucurbitaceae fruits. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of the extracts on βglucosidase, and lipase were investigated using an in vitro model. It was observed that the extract has good antioxidant properties. The fruit extract inhibited β-glucosidase and lipase activities in a concentration-dependent manner, in vitro. Supplementary studies with animal and human models reflecting possible in vivo benefits are needed in the future.