INHIBITION OF ALPHA-AMYLASE

 INHIBITION OF ALPHA-AMYLASE

α-Amylase is a well-known therapeutic target for the treatment and

maintenance of postprandial blood glucose elevations.

The fasting glucose level of a non-diabetic human ranges between 70 to 100

mg/dL, and for a diabetic patient, the fasting blood glucose level ranges from

100 to 140 mg/dL. A postprandial condition is defined as a drastic increase in

the blood glucose level after the ingestion of food. In no diabetic humans the

range shifts between 100 to 140 mg/dL whereas in a diabetic patient it would

range between 140 to 190 mg/dL, which could be of higher risk for a

hyperglycemic person.

On the inhibition of the alpha-amylase the action of amylase on the starch

molecule is technically prevented thus slowing down the digestion of starch,

apparently controlling the postprandial condition.