Optimization of protease production from newly isolated strain of <i>Bacillus </i>sp. PCSIR EA-3

286-290A newly isolated strain of Bacillus sp. PCSIR EA-3 showed maximum protease production in 48 h. Cell free filtrate (CFF) from the strain was investigated for its proteolytic activity. The isolated strain exhibited highest proteolytic activity when grown on skim milk agar; average area of zone of inhibition was 480 mm2. Enzyme showed maximum activity at 35°C and pH 7.0 with glucose as an important medium component. It was strongly activated by metal ions, such as, Ca+2 ion. Protease from PCSIR EA-3 can easily be used in food industry, especially in cheese manufacturing due to its thermostability at neutral pH

Inhibitory potential of Phaseolus lunatus L. Seeds to Digestive Enzymes

Introduction: Study was taken with an objective to investigate the inhibitory effect of Phaseolus lunatus seeds extract on three enzymes (α-amylase, maltase and glucoamylase) which are involved in diabetes. The disadvantages related with the use of synthetic drugs make it necessary to search for alternative drugs from medicinal plants. One therapeutic approach for the treatment of postprandial hyperglycaemia is to decrease the plasma glucose level which can be attained by lowering the starch hydrolysis by digestive enzymes such as α-amylase, maltase and glucoamylase. The use of synthetic antidiabetic agents caused gastrointestinal side effects.  Methods: Hence, the research was aimed to evaluate the potential of Phaseolus lunatus seeds extract to inhibit α-amylase, maltase and glucoamylase as a possible mechanism of hypoglycemia caused by this plant with less side effects.  Phaseolus lunatus, also known as Lima bean, is native to Tropical America and are grown throughout the world. Lima bean has been prescribed traditionally to treat different diseases including diabetes. Result: The results of the present study showed that Phaseolus lunatus seeds extract have exerted both time and concentration dependent significant inhibitory effect on these digestive enzymes which might be due to cumulative effect of phytoconstituents present in the plant extract. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be said that the part of mechanisms by which Phaseolus lunatus exhibited its antidiabetic activity might be through the inhibition of these digestive enzyme