Abstract:
Turmeric (Curcuma longaL) rhizome extracts
were evaluated for their antidiabetic, antihypertensive and
antioxidant potentials.α-Glucosidase (0.4 μg/mL) andα-amylase (0.4μg/mL) inhibitory potential of turmeric ethyl
acetate extract was significantly higher than those of the
reference drug acarbose (17.1 μg/mL and 290.6μg/mL
respectively). Protein glycation inhibitory potential of ethyl
acetate extract was 800 times higher than that of ascorbic
acid. High potential of ethyl acetate extract to scavenge free
radicals and to reduce LDL oxidation and cellular oxidative
stress was also revealed. The positive correlation obtained
between the free radical scavenging capacity of the extracts
and their antiglycation potential further confirmed the role
of antioxidants in controlling glycation reactions. Ethyl
acetate extract was also found as effective in reducing hypertension by inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE). Antidiabetic, ACE inhibitory and antioxidant capacities of the extracts were in the order of their curcumin contents
