Abstract:
The α-amylase is an enzyme found in the human digestive process that hydrolyzes starch
into maltose and maltose is then hydrolyzed by maltase into glucose. High levels of
glucose in the blood can be reduced by inhibiting the activity of α-amylase. The leaves of
the sembung rambat plant (Mikania micrantha Kunth) belonging to the Asteraceae family
are predicted to contain phenolic active compounds that can act as α-amylase inhibitors.
Phenolics from the leaves of this plant were extracted with methanol, ethyl acetate, and
hydro-methanol as solvents. Furthermore, the levels of these active compounds and their
inhibitory power to α-amylase activity were determined.
