In vitro Inhibition of Protein Glycation, Methylglyoxal, α-Glucosidase, and Metal Ions by a Thai Polyherbal Formulation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.12635Keywords:
Benchalokawichian Remedy, Flavonoids, α-glucosidase, Metal chelation, Antiglycation, Benchalokawichian remedy, Flavonoids, α-glucosidase, Metal chelation, Antiglycation, Methylglyoxal-trappingAbstract
Glycation processes generate advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and intermediates, such as methylglyoxal (MGO), which contribute to non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. This study explores the antiglycation, carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzyme inhibition, MGO-trapping, and metal-chelating properties of hydroethanolic extracts of Benchalokawichian (BLW) and its individual herbal components. The total flavonoid content was assessed using the aluminum chloride method, revealing Tiliacora triandra and Ficus racemosa as rich flavonoid sources. Antiglycation activity was evaluated using bovine serum albumin (BSA)/fructose and BSA/MGO models, with aminoguanidine (AG) as a positive control. All extracts demonstrated concentration-dependent antiglycation effects. Notably, Harrisonia perforata at 1 mg/mL significantly inhibited AGE formation by 73.79 ± 1.55% in BSA/fructose and 99.58 ± 0.11% in BSA/MGO models, and exhibited a substantial MGO-trapping efficiency of 98.19 ± 0.02%, surpassing the standard agent AG at 92.24 ± 0.12%. The extracts’ capacity to inhibit carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes was assessed through α-glucosidase activity. H. perforata and F. racemosa showed significant inhibitory effects, with IC50 values of 36.44 ± 8.38 and 81.67 ± 16.74 μg/mL, respectively, outperforming the standard drug acarbose (IC50 104 ± 17.91 μg/mL). Metal chelation capacity, measured through an iron-ferrozine assay, was consistently lower than that of the standard chelating agent EDTA across all tested extracts. In conclusion, H. perforata demonstrates promising potential in reducing glycation and inhibiting α-glucosidase enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, indicating its possible application in functional foods or as a therapeutic agent for diabetes management. Further research is warranted to explore its clinical benefits.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Benchalokawichian (BLW) and its herbal components demonstrate concentration-dependent antiglycation activity.
- Ethanol root extracts of Harrisonia perforata (HP), Ficus racemosa (FR), and BLW effectively trap methylglyoxal and inhibit AGE formation.
- HP and FR exhibit superior α-glucosidase inhibitory IC50 values compared to the standard drug acarbose.
- Tilacora triandra root extract has the highest flavonoid content but lacks significant antiglycation or antidiabetic effects.
- HP, FR, and BLW hold promise as antiglycation agents for functional foods or therapeutic use.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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