A SENSITIVE AGAR PLATE ASSAY FOR SCREENING INHIBITORS OF ?-AMYLASE

Abstract

A simple method for estimation of α-amylase inhibitor activity was developed and is being reported for the first
time in this paper. This method was used for the qualitative screening of local common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris
L.) selections of Kinnaur district for α-amylase inhibitor activity. Amongst seven common bean selections, Triloki
cultivar had maximum α-amylase inhibitor activity. The results were authenticated by quantitative estimation
involving the quantification of the reducing sugar (maltose equivalent) and similar results were found. Agar plate
method involving less expensive chemicals and no sophisticated pieces of equipment can hence be used for
screening of a large number of samples for the presence of α-amylase inhibitor. This has an application in testing
natural resources for antidiabetic factors.