Determination of anti-diabetic activity of selected medicinal plants in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is one of the main chronic diseases currently affecting mankind. In type two diabetes mellitus, the post-prandial blood glucose level increases uncontrollably causing metabolic imbalances in the body. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase are the two important enzymes, responsible for digestion of starch inside the body. Therefore, inhibition of these two enzymes can stop the increase of blood glucose level after a carbohydrate diet.