Inhibitory effects of pasuchaca (Geranium dielsiaum) extract on alpha-glucosidase in mouse.

The methanolic extract of pasuchaca (Geranium dielsiaum) (PsEx) was found to suppress blood glucose elevation after oral administration of sucrose, maltose, and starch, but not after oral administration of glucose, in the mouse. In vitro examination of the inhibitory effect of PsEx on maltase activity revealed that PsEx strongly inhibited mouse small intestine maltase activity. Taken together, these results suggest that the inhibitory effect of PsEx on alpha-glucosidase activity might contribute to delay in carbohydrate digestion and subsequent lowering of the blood glucose level, thereby leading to prevention and cure of diabetes.