Inhibition of Alpha-glucosidase and Amylase by Luteolin, a Flavonoid

Twenty-one naturally occurring flavonoids were tested for inhibitory activities against alpha-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.20) and alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1). Luteolin, amentoflavone, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, and daidzein were the strongest inhibitors among the compounds tested. Luteolin inhibited alpha-glucosidase by 36% at the concentration of 0.5 mg/ml and was stronger than acarbose, the most widely prescribed drug, in inhibitory potency, suggesting...