Iranian Journal of

Background: Alpha-amylase is the most important enzyme in the digestion of starch. Activators of this enzyme could be potentially used as digestive aids and its inhibitors block the absorption of starch compounds and result in the control of blood sugar levels. This study aimed at the investigation of aromatic compounds on bovine serum alpha-amylase. Methods: Effect of carvacrol, cumyl phenol, tryptamine, tryptophan, N-acetyl-L-tryptophan, Bis phenol A, 2-benzyloxy phenol, 2,6 diisopropyl phenol and 4-chloro-2-isopropyl-5-methyl phenol was investigated on bovine serum alpha-amylase with use of artificial substrate (laboratory kit). Results: Most of tested aromatic compounds showed a similar pattern. All these compounds had 5-30% inhibitory effect on the tested serum with the exception of tryptamine which showed a 20% increase in the enzyme activity. The best inhibitory effect was obtained from cumyl phenol in the range of 30%. Conclusion: This study showed that aromatic compounds with one and two cycles have moderate inhibitory effect on bovine serum alpha-amylase and tryptamine showed a slight activator effect. With regard to these results, indolic and phenolic structures may be effective on alpha-amylase, and in the next step, investigation of these compounds derivatives is suggested.