Microwave Drying Characteristics and Antidiabetic Properties of Aquilaria subintegra and Aquilaria malaccensis Leaves

摘要

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of microwave drying on the anti-diabetic potential of the leaves of Aquilaria subintegra and Aquilaria malaccensis with regard to its efficacy by local herbalists in the treatment of diabetes frailties. The drying process was carried out at 50, 100 and 150 W, and the drying curves were developed to analyse the drying characteristics of both species of Aquilaria leaves. Solid-liquid extraction was done by using ethanol as solvent prior to in-vitro analysis of the inhibition activity on α-amylase. Following that, HPLC and FTIR were done to support findings on the antidiabetic compounds of the leaves extract. The results indicated that an increase in power level will reduce the drying time during microwave treatment. Findings showed that both species of Aquilaria leaves extract could remarkably inhibit the activity of a-amylase and provide a rationale for the use of the leaves in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.