Evaluation of bergenin in amylase enzyme inhibition and lipid uptake in liver cells

Abstract

Changes in the global economy contribute to a sedentary lifestyle and higher caloric intake, increasing the incidence of metabolic diseases. It is estimated that the number of individuals diagnosed with metabolic diseases will increase by 25% by 2030 and 51% by 2045. Natural products have been tested in metabolic diseases with positive results, as shown by bergenin. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the possible effects of bergenin in models of metabolic disease through in silico and in vitro experimental procedures. Bergenin showed the ability to inhibit protein glycation by 19.88 ± 4.22% in the oxidative pathway and 8.32 ± 1.85% in the non-oxidative pathway. This study showed for the first time that bergenin has the potential to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme (33.89 ± 0.96%) using in silico and in vitro assays. Bergenin was not able to significantly inhibit lipid uptake by the Oil Red method. After these results, it is understood that bergenin has the potential to be better studied as a therapeutic option in metabolic diseases. However, additional in vivo studies are needed to better elucidate the possible pharmacological effects of bergenin in metabolic diseases.