Metabolite profiling and inhibitory properties of leaf extracts of Ficus benjamina towards α-glucosidase and α-amylase

The use of antioxidant-rich medicinal plants having the potential to reduce oxidative stress and postprandial hyperglycemic pressure is one of the most promising option for the management of diabetes. This study presents information on metabolite profiling and in vitro anti-diabetic effects of leaf extracts of Ficus benjamina. The DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals) assay was performed to determine the in vitro antioxidant potential of the plant extracts. The anti-diabetic effects were investigated by evaluating inhibitory properties of F. benjamina leaf extracts towards carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, i.e., α-glucosidase and α-amylase, whereas ¹H NMR and UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analytical methods were employed for metabolite profiling of F. benjamina leaf extracts. Among 40, 60, 80, and 100% ethanolic leaf extracts of F. benjamina, 80% ethanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity based upon its DPPH radical scavenging ability (IC₅₀ value: 63.71 ± 2.66 µg/mL). The 80% ethanolic leaf extract of F. benjamina also proved to be the most efficient α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitor with IC₅₀ values of 9.65 ± 1.04 µg/mL and 13.08 ± 1.06 µg/mL, respectively; these values were even better than acarbose with α-glucosidase inhibition activity (IC₅₀ = 116.01 ± 3.83 µg/mL) and α-amylase inhibition activity (IC₅₀ = 152.66 ± 7.32 µg/mL). Moreover, a total of 31 metabolites were identified in F. benjamina leaf extract, which may have the potential to contribute to its antioxidant and inhibitory properties against carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes. The findings of this study depict F. benjamina leaf extracts as a promising α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitor, and therefore, can be utilized for the development of anti-diabetic functional diets/nutra-pharmaceuticals.     

Metabolite profiling,antioxidant activity,and glycosidase inhibition property of the mesocarp tissue extracts of sugar date palm [Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb.] fruits

Phoenix sylvestris is an underutilized seasonal fruit in West Bengal, India. Methanol extract and extracts after alkaline hydrolysis of the mesocarp tissue of full-mature edible fruits of P. sylvestris were analyzed by GC-MS following a metabolomics approach. The fractions were tested for their antioxidant and inhibitory properties against the two key enzymes involved in diabetes, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Total 71 metabolites belonging to organic acids, amino acids, sugars, sugar alcohols, fatty acids, and phenols were identified in the methanol extract and in fractions after saponification. All the extracts and fractions showed high antioxidant, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibitory activities. Sugars like raffinose (IC₅₀ = 0.36 μM), sucrose (IC₅₀ = 0.51 μM), trehalose (IC₅₀ = 0.85 μM), and phenols like taxifolin (IC₅₀ = 0.31 μM), benzoic acid (IC₅₀ = 2.74 μM) inhibited only the enzyme α-amylase. Phenolic components which inhibited both the enzymes were caffeic acid (IC₅₀ = 1.42 μM for α-amylase and IC₅₀ = 1.8 μM for α-glucosidase), 3, 4-dihydroxy benzoic acid (IC₅₀ = 0.23 μM for α-amylase and IC₅₀ = 2.58 μM for α-glucosidase), and quinic acid (IC₅₀ = 4.91 μM for α-amylase and IC₅₀ = 4.95 μM for α-glucosidase). Ferulic acid (IC₅₀ = 0.52 μM) and 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (IC₅₀ = 0.23 μM) inhibited only α-glucosidase. This study suggested that the metabolites present in the fruit mesocarp tissue showed the potential antioxidant activity and properties to inhibit the enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Further in vivo study is to be carried out to prove the efficacy of the fruits.

Abbreviations: FM: crude methanol extract; SI: ethyl acetate extract after alkaline hydrolysis step I; SII: ethyl acetate extract after alkaline hydrolysis step II     

Inhibitory properties of polyphenols in Malus “Winter Red” crabapple fruit on α-glucosidase and α-amylase using improved methods

To explore the inhibitory activity of polyphenols on α-glucosidase and α-amylase, 16 polyphenols were isolated, identified, and quantified in an edible Malus “Winter Red” crabapple fruit. The limitations of two traditional methods for α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity assay in vitro were assayed. An improved method based on an HPLC assay for α-glucosidase and a colorimetric method coupled with a custom-made mini-column for α-amylase were established. Compared with positive controls, acarbose and miglito, most polyphenols, especially the four aglycones (cyanidin, quercetin, phloretin, and 3-hydroxyphloretin) showed higher inhibition rates on α-glucosidase. None of the polyphenols showed higher inhibition rates on α-amylase than acarbose, but most, especially the four aglycones, showed higher inhibition rates on α-amylase than miglito. The Malus Winter Red fruit has great potential for postprandial blood glucose management as a potential diet therapy for diabetic patients.     

Major triterpenes,cycloeucalenone and 31-norcyclolaudenone as inhibitors against both α-glucosidase and α-amylase in banana peel

The inhibitory activities of banana peel extract against carbohydrate digestive enzymes were investigated. Cycloeucalenone and 31-norcyclolaudenone were obtained by bioassay-guided fractionation as effective inhibitors of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The structure–activity relationships of four triterpenes isolated from banana peel, cycloeucalenone, 31-norcyclolaudenone and cycloeucalenol and its isomer were investigated. The IC₅₀ values of cycloeucalenone and 31-norcyclolaudenone against α-glucosidase were 31.83 ± 2.46 μm and 38.85 ± 1.54 μm , respectively, and their IC₅₀ values against α-amylase were 20.33 ± 0.59 μm and 27.63 ± 0.83 μm , respectively. In contrast, cycloeucalenol and its isomer had insufficient inhibitory activity against either enzyme. The primary active sites of cycloeucalenone and 31-norcyclolaudenone are the carbonyl group at C-3 and the double bond in the side chain. Cycloeucalenone induced a parabolic mixed-type inhibition with a K_i value of 73.86 μm in the α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. This study provides new evidence for the potential use of banana peel triterpenes as antidiabetic agents.     

Chemical composition and bioactivities of the polyphenolic-rich extract of Ormenis africana Jord. and Fourr

Ormenis africana is an endemic North African species used in folk medicine because of its hypoglycemic property. In this study, the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition and antioxidant activities of the polyphenolic-rich extract from O. africana were determined. The chemical composition was made using liquid chromatography with photodiode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method and the identification of phenolics was assessed by comparing their retention times and ultraviolet and mass spectra with those of the standards and/or reported in the literature. The total phenolic content was estimated by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The antidiabetic potential was estimated by the determination of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition in vitro. Four assays were used for the evaluation of antioxidant activity of the extracts. Seventeen phenolic compounds were detected. The major peaks are chlorogenic acid, 5-O-di-caffeoylquinic acid, and apigenin and luteolin derivatives. The polyphenolic-rich extract showed remarkable α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activity in a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, the extract also demonstrated high antioxidant activities. O. africana can serve as a potential natural source for the development of a novel α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory agents against diabetic complications.     

In vitro inhibitory effect of oriental melon (Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa Makino) seed on key enzyme linked to type 2 diabetes: Assessment of anti-diabetic potential of functional food

As the world’s population continues to increase, the agricultural discards of plant origin have attracted considerable attention for various purposes in the pharmaceutical and food industry. The objective of present study was to evaluate the potential of oriental melon (Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa Makino) seed for management of hyperglycaemia-linked to type 2 diabetes. Ethanol and hexane extracts from oriental melon seed were used to evaluate their inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Low phenolic-containing hexane extract exhibited much higher inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase than ethanol extract. The GC–MS result revealed that hexane extract constituted linoleic acid (29.6%), oleic acid (17.3%), and palmitic acid (6.5%). At high concentration, hexane extract exhibited strong inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase (35.3%) and α-amylase (61.8%). These in vitro studies indicated that hexane extract of oriental melon seed could be used as a potent alternative for controlling type 2 diabetes.     

In Vitro Potential of Ascophyllum nodosum Phenolic Antioxidant-Mediated α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibition

ABSTRACT: Ascophyllum nodosum is a brown seaweed that grows abundantly in the Northeast coastal region. In this study, the potential of A. nodosum for type 2 diabetes management through antioxidant-mediated α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition was investigated. After the initial screening of 4 locally harvested seaweeds, A. nodosum was chosen for its highest phenolic content and was subjected to water extraction. Among extraction ratios of 50 g to 100 to 1000 mL at room temperature, 50 g/400 mL yielded the highest phenolic content of 4.5 mg/g wet weight. For evaluation of extraction temperature ranging from 20 to 80 °C, 50 g/400 mL was chosen as a minimum amount of extractant. Among temperatures studied, extraction at 80 °C resulted in the highest total phenolic contents (4.2 mg/g wet weight). All extracts had similar levels of antioxidant activity in the range of 60% to 70% in terms of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity. The 80 °C extract had the highest α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ of 0.24 and 1.34 μg phenolics, respectively, compared to the IC₅₀ of acarbose, reference inhibitor, being 0.37 and 0.68 μg. The results show that fresh A. nodosum has strong α-glucosidase and mild α-amylase inhibitory activities that correlated with phenolic contents. This study suggests a nutraceutical potential of A. nodosum based on phytochemical antioxidant and antihyperglycemia activities.     

Physical properties and hypoglycaemic activity of biscuits as affected by the addition of stigma maydis extract

The study aimed to evaluate the potential ingredient of stigma maydis (S.M.) as a hypoglycaemic functional food. In the present study, waxy corn flour and corn-resistant starch were used to make biscuits; the influence of S.M. extracts (aqueous extract, SMA; ethanol extract, SME; mixed solvent extract, SMM) on the physical features and in vitro digestibility of biscuit were surveyed. In the meantime, the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition of different S.M. extracts were analysed. Compared with the control dough, 5% ethanol S.M. extract (SME2) dough was observed to have the lowest storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G"), hardness, water absorption capacity (P < 0.05), while creep strain was the highest (P < 0.05). Adding S.M. extracts could significantly reduce the L*, b* value and increase the a* value of biscuits. Besides, the S.M. extracts could decrease the glycaemic index (G.I.) of biscuits and reduce postprandial blood glucose levels. The GI of SMA1, SMA2, SME1, SME2, SMM1 and SMM2 was decreased to 62.47, 55.17, 51.46, 44.89, 53.05 and 50.11 respectively. Further, the addition of S.M. extract could show a certain inhibitory rate of α-amylase and α-glucosidase when added to biscuits. The inhibition ratio of 5% extract (SMA2, SME2 and SMM2) biscuit was higher than that of 1% extract (SMA1, SME1 and SMM1) biscuit (P < 0.05). As a natural functional component, S.M. extract could be a potential food supplement for type II diabetic mellitus.     

Inhibitory effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim. and Capsicum annuum L. on the activities of pancreatic lipase and α-amylase

Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim. (ZBM) and Capsicum annuum L. (CAL) are popular condiments in China. In this study, the inhibition of pancreatic lipase and α-amylase by ZBM and CAL extracts, as well as catechin, rutin, hydroxy-α-sanshool (from ZBM extract) and capsaicin (from CAL extract), was determined. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of ZBM extract, CAL extract, rutin, hydroxy-α-sanshool and capsaicin against pancreatic lipase were 82.1, 533.5, 583.8, 565.7 and 62.4 μg mL⁻¹, respectively, while that against α-amylase were 125.6, 1167.2, 213.2195.6 and 163.2 μg mL⁻¹, respectively. Catechin had no detectible inhibition on the two enzymes even at 4 mg mL⁻¹. The combination of hydroxy-α-sanshool and capsaicin against the two enzymes showed similar inhibition trends to that of ZBM and CAL extracts (synergism at low concentrations but antagonism at high concentrations), suggesting the two compounds were closely associated with the functions of the crude extracts. The results obtained from the in vitro digestion were similar but with a lower inhibition rate. Kinetic studies revealed that ZBM extract, hydroxy-α-sanshool and capsaicin showed mixed-type inhibition for pancreatic lipase and α-amylase. Molecular modelling suggested capsaicin had a higher affinity to the two enzymes, with glide scores of −8.18 and −7.87 kcal mol⁻¹, respectively.     

α-Glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors from seed oil: A review of liposoluble substance to treat diabetes

One of the effective managements of diabetes mellitus, in particular, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is to retard the absorption of glucose by inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, such as α-glucosidase and α-amylase, in the digestive organs. Currently, there is renewed interest in plant-based medicines and functional foods modulating physiological effects in the inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Accordingly, inhibitors of α-glucosidase or α-amylase derived from various sources have also been isolated, and majority of phenolic compounds and their effects have been investigated in animals as well. As such, when the presence of α-glucosidase inhibitor in many foodstuffs was screened for, we found that vegetable seed oil also strongly inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Seed oil is an important source of liposoluble constituents with potential for inhibition of these enzymes, hence can also be used as therapeutic or functional food sources. Therefore, this review is aimed at highlighting the main liposoluble classes of α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors, but it is not intended to be an exhaustive review on the subject.     

C. medica cv Diamante peel chemical composition and influence on glucose homeostasis and metabolic parameters

This study evaluated the in vitro inhibition of carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzymes, the stimulation of insulin secretion, and the in vivo metabolic effects in mice of Citrus medica L. cv Diamante peel extract. The quantitative analysis of selected phytochemicals were determined to investigate their relationship with the biological activities. Citrus extract exhibited an inhibitory activity against both α-amylase and α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ values of 258.7 and 263.2 μg/ml, respectively. Measurements of the effects of peel extract on the mouse insulinoma MIN6 β-cells indicated that it did exert direct stimulatory effects on the exocytotic release of insulin in a concentration-dependent manner. The supplementation of the C. medica cv Diamante was able to reduce plasma glucose (GLU) concentration and lowered the levels of plasma cholesterol (COL) and triglycerides (TG). The obtained results underline the potential health benefits as a result of consuming C. medica cv Diamante and suggest that it could be used as new potential source with functional properties for food or nutraceutical products.     

Flavonoids isolated from Syzygium aqueum leaf extract as potential antihyperglycaemic agents

Syzygium aqueum is a medicinal plant which is grown in tropical regions. In this study, the ethanolic extracts of S. aqueum leaf were investigated for its antihyperglycaemic activity. Our investigation revealed its effectiveness in inhibiting the carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes, α-glucosidase (EC₅₀ = 11 μg/ml) and α-amylase (EC₅₀ = 8 μg/ml), at significant level than the commercial drug acarbose (EC₅₀ = 28 μg/ml, α-glucosidase; EC₅₀ = 12 μg/ml, α-amylase). In addition, the ethanolic leaf extracts were able to inhibit the key enzyme in the polyol pathway, aldose reductase (EC₅₀ = 0.03 μg/ml) and prevent the AGEs formation by 89%. Six flavonoid compounds, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (1), myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside (2), europetin-3-O-rhamnoside (3), phloretin (4), myrigalone-G (5) and myrigalone-B (6), were isolated from the ethanolic leaf extracts. Compounds (2) and (3) showed high inhibitory activities, with EC₅₀ values of 1.1 μM and 1.9 μM against α-glucosidase and EC₅₀ values of 1.9 μM and 2.3 μM against α-amylase, respectively. These findings provide a strong rationale to establish S. aqueum’s capability as an antihyperglycaemic agent.     

The inhibitory effects of ethanol extracts from sorghum,foxtail millet and proso millet on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities

Cereal crops have recently experienced increased interest due to their potential health benefits. It has been suggested that the intake of whole grain foods is beneficial to the prevention and management of diabetes mellitus. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of 70% EtOH extracts from different cultivars of sorghum, foxtail millet and proso millet on α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Among the six sorghum cultivars, Mongdang-susu(SS-1), Me-susu(SS-2), Susongsaengi-susu(SS-3) and Sikyung-susu(SS-4) extracts exhibited higher inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 1.1–1.4 μg/ml) than acarbose, reference inhibitor (IC₅₀ = 2.1 μg/ml). In addition, these extracts strongly inhibited degradation of starch by pancreatic and salivary α-amylase, whereas extracts from foxtail and proso millets exhibited no visible or detectible inhibitory effect on α-amylase or on α-glucosidase activity. These in vitro studies indicate the potential of sorghum in the development of effective anti-diabetic agents.     

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) leaf extracts as ingredient for the formulation of functional beverages with biological activity

The biological activity of mango leaf extracts from different mango varieties was evaluated in terms of total phenolic content, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Leaf extract-based beverages were formulated and evaluated for some physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties. Results indicated that the extract from 'Tommy Atkins' mango leaves had the highest total phenols content (137.08 mg of GAE g⁻¹) and antioxidant activity (DDPH = 38.26 mg TEAC 100 g⁻¹; ABTS = 59.13 mg TEAC 100 g⁻¹). The beverage formulated with 20% leaf extract presented the highest percentage of antioxidant activity (38.63%) and inhibition of enzymes α-amylase (41.9%) and α-glucosidase (37.53%). All beverages presented a yellow hue and consumers rated it with a degree of liking between 4.8 and 7.3 according to a hedonic scale. Results showed that the biological properties of beverages could be an alternative for the control of free radicals and glucose levels.     

Physicochemical properties, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects of the polysaccharide from leaves of Morus alba L. under simulated gastro-intestinal digestion and its fermentation capability in vitro by human gut microbiota

The investigation aimed at determining the impact of sequential simulated digestion on the physicochemical properties and digestive enzymes inhibitory effects of the polysaccharides fraction (MLP-2) of Morus alba L. leaves as well as its in vitro fermentation behaviours. After artificial salivary, gastric and intestinal digestions, the chemical components and microstructure of MLP-2 were altered with significantly (P < 0.05) decreased molecular weight. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of MLP-2 were significantly (P < 0.05) improved throughout simulated digestion. MLP-2I, the intestinal digested fraction of MLP-2, could significantly (P < 0.05) decrease the pH value of fermented culture and increase the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentrations, especially acetic, propionic and butyric acids. In conclusion, MLP-2 could be gradually degraded under simulated digestion with altered physicochemical properties and enhanced α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects, and further utilised by human gut microbiota to decrease pH value and promote SCFA production.     

Changes of peach juices during the shelf-life and their in vitro effect on glycolipid digestion and neurotransmitter metabolism

In this study, the polyphenols content, α-amylase, α-glucosidase and cholinesterase-inhibiting activities of cloudy peach (Prunus persica) juices, were measured immediately after thermal treatment and after storage (6 months at 4 and 30 °C). The study showed that some cultivars were more useable for industry than others. Due to the high content of polyphenols and a high ability to inhibit enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, noteworthy are the juices obtained from ‘Redheaven early’ and ‘Redheaven’ cultivars. The content of total phenolics ranged from 1109.7 to 390.7 mg/L of juice, and the dominant fraction was polymeric procyanidins. Following 6 months of storage a significant change was observed in the content of polyphenols, especially flavonols and anthocyanins. The data compiled from the conducted study indicate that peach juice could be useful for the juice industry as a promising source of bioactive compounds.     

Inhibitory activities of extracts from Cleistocalyx operculatus flower buds on pancreatic lipase and α-amylase

In this work, we investigated the inhibitory activities of aqueous extract (Eaq), 30, 60, and 95?% ethanol extracts (E₃et, E₆et, and E₉et), petroleum ether extract (Epe), ethyl acetate extract (Eae), and 2′,4′-dihydroxy-6′-methoxy-3′,5′-dimethylchalcone (DMC) from Cleistocalyx operculatus flower buds on pancreatic lipase and α-amylase, which were closely related to body weight and obesity. The inhibition effect of various extracts was determined by the Lineweaver–Burk plots. The results showed that the IC₅₀ values of DMC, Epe, Eae, and E₉et against pancreatic lipase were 101.5?μM, 38.65, 76.62, and 109.76?μg/ml, respectively, which were much lower than that of E₃et and E₆et. Eaq, E₃et, E₆et, and DMC strongly inhibiting the pancreatic α-amylase, with IC₅₀ values of 73.10, 165.93, 231.23?μg/ml, and 69.35?μM, respectively. Furthermore, the kinetic analysis suggested that the inhibition mode of crude extract against pancreatic lipase was noncompetitive, while that against pancreatic α-amylase was competitive. The content of DMC and total polyphenols in each extract were determined by HPLC and spectrophotometric method, respectively. It was interestingly found that the DMC content had profound influence on pancreatic lipase activity, and the total polyphenols content significantly affected the pancreatic α-amylase activity. The findings in this work suggested that extracts from C. operculatus flower buds possess potent inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase and α-amylase, and provided some new ideas for the prevention and treatment for obesity.     

Catechins play key role in green tea extract–induced postprandial hypoglycemic potential in vitro

Green tea is often associated with glycemic control benefit. However, the available evidence is not conclusive. In this study, we systematically assessed the contribution of main green tea extract (GTE) ingredients to the inhibition of carbohydrate digestive enzyme and intestinal glucose transport, which are two intervention options for postprandial blood glucose control. A catechin mixture (CM) solution containing seven catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) solution was prepared based on the contents of individual catechins in the GTE as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The inhibitory potency of GTE, CM, and EGCG on α-amylase or α-glucosidase was compared in cell-free system. GTE’s inhibitory potency was mainly attributed to catechins, among which, EGCG accounted for at least 80 % of the α-amylase inhibitory activity and 90 % of the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of GTE. In addition, the fluorescence quenching of the digestive enzymes by EGCG revealed that the binding site of EGCG-α-amylase was 1.2, and that for EGCG-α-glucosidase to be 2.0. The inhibitory potency of GTE, CM, and EGCG on glucose transport was assessed in Caco-2 monolayer system. Under the simulated fasting state, there was significant difference between the test materials regarding inhibitory potency according to two-way ANOVA (P > 0.05). Under the simulated fed state, CM showed stronger inhibition than EGCG only at the highest test concentration (25.7 μg/mL), while no significant difference was observed between CM and the GTE. In conclusion, our results suggest that green tea’s postprandial hypoglycemic potential can be attributed to its catechins.     

Metaproteomics reveals protein composition of multiple saccharifying enzymes in nongxiangxing daqu and jiangxiangxing daqu under different thermophilic temperatures

Daqu provides hydrolytic enzymes that saccharifying the macromolecular carbohydrate in fermenting grains. The process of saccharification is the premise of Baijiu production. But little is known about the protein composition associated with the activity of saccharifying enzymes in daqu. This study investigated related proteins between nongxiangxing daqu and jiangxiangxing daqu by metaproteomics. We present that the amylase system (α-amylase, glucoamylase and α-glucosidase) and cellulase system (cellobiohydrolases, endoglucanase and β-glucosidase) are regarded as the main saccharifying enzymes. Combined with protein-based taxonomic annotation, the key proteins involving in amylase system were mainly from Kroppenstedtia, Lichtheimia, Byssochlamys and Thermomyces, while Thermoascu contributed the most to cellulase system. Moreover, it was found that the up-regulated amylase proteins at thermophilic fermentation period in jiangxiangxing daqu in comparison with nongxiangxing daqu were affiliated to Aspergillus, Rhizomucor, Byssochlamys and Thermomyces, along with Thermoascu contributing to cellulase system. These findings will provide clues for improving saccharification efficiency in Baijiu production.     

Die Wirkung von α-Amylasen auf β-Cyclodextrin und der Nachweis von α-Amylasefremdaktivitäten in ausgewählten Enzympräparaten

The action of α-amylases on β-cyclodextrin and the evidence of foreign activity of α-amylase in selected preparations of enzymes The interaction between cyclodextrins and α-amylases taken from different sources is discribed contradictious in the literature. Some α-amylases e.g. isolated from Aspergillus oryzae, porcine pancreas and saliva hydrolized cyclodextrins to glucose. The hydrolysis of cyclodextrins catalysed by α-amylase from Bacillus species have been described conflicting. In this paper the action of hydrolysis of different preparations of α-amylases on β-cyclodextrin have been investigated. It has been shown that Rohalase M3 (α-amylase from Aspergillus niger) cleaves the ring of β-cyclodextrin. 2 α-amylases from Bacillus subtilis are not able to hydrolyse β-cyclodextrin. The reasons for the different actions of hydrolysis have been discussed with size and structure of the active centre of the enzymes. Moreover, different preparation of hydrolysis have been tested on secondary activity of α-amylase. 2 glucoamylases from Aspergillus oryzae have been shown secondary activity of α-amylase. With the hydrolases α-glucosidase from fungies, β-amylase from malt, saccharase from yeast, invertase from S. cerevisiae and pullulanase from Aerobacter aerogenes no cleavage of the ring of β-cyclodextrin could be detected.