Phytochemical Screening, in vitro α-amylase and Pancreatic Lipase Inhibition Effects of Beta vulgaris Extracts

The use of medicinal plants for healing dates back to ancient times. Beta vulgaris is a medicinal plant found in Yemen. Objective: The current study aimed to screen the phytochemicals, and to determine the inhibition effect of B. vulgaris extracts on α-amylase and pancreatic lipase. Methods: B. vulgaris was extracted using different solvents (ethanol 96% ethanol 50% or water), and screened for the possible phytochemicals. Furthermore, the plants extracts were studied for the α-amylase and pancreatic lipase inhibition effects according to the protocol of Cobas Company. Results: The findings of phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids and tannins. B. vulgaris extracts showed α-amylase inhibition activity (59.26-63.66%). In addition, B. vulgaris extracts showed inhibition effects (40.87-48.45%) on pancreatic lipase, while BV50 exhibited the highest inhibition effects on α-amylase and pancreatic lipase. Conclusion: B. vulgaris extracts showed potential α-amylase and pancreatic lipase inhibition effects in vitro, suggesting possible anti-hyperglycemic and anti-obesity properties. Further research is recommended to carry out in vivo study for the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-obesity effects, and to isolate and determine the active compounds responsible for these effects.