Inhibitory Effects of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Seed Extracts on Key Enzymes Involved in Blood Sugar Regulation

Objective: This study investigates the potential of Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea) seeds as a novel treatment for diabetes mellitus by evaluating their ability to inhibit the activities of glucoamylase, α-amylase, and glucoinvertase, aiming to lower blood sugar levels. Method: Ethanol extracts of Cicer arietinum L. seeds were tested for their inhibitory effects on glucoamylase, α-amylase, and glucoinvertase. The study utilized varying concentrations of the seed extract (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 μg/ml) and different pre-incubation times (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes) to determine the lowest maximum inhibitory concentration. Results: The results indicated that increasing the concentration of ethanol seed extract significantly inhibited the enzymatic hydrolysis of sugar. Additionally, extending the incubation time between the enzymes and the extract enhanced the inhibitory effect. The inhibitory effects were comparable to the standard antidiabetic drug Acarbose. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Cicer arietinum L. seeds possess potential antidiabetic properties by inhibiting glucoamylase, α-amylase, and glucoinvertase, likely due to specific phytoconstituents in the seeds. This positions chickpea seeds as a promising alternative treatment for diabetes mellitus. Future Prospects: Further research is essential to isolate and identify the phytoconstituents responsible for the enzyme inhibitory activity. Additionally, clinical trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of Cicer arietinum L. seed extracts for diabetes treatment.