Streptomycete endophytes from anti-diabetic medicinal plants of the Western Ghats inhibit alpha-amylase and promote glucose uptake

Researchers have identified endophytic streptomycete bacteria from two anti-diabetic medicinal plants, Leucas ciliata and Rauwolfia densiflora, found in the UNESCO-listed Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. The study demonstrates that extracts from these microbes—specifically Streptomyces longisporoflavus and an unidentified Streptomyces species—exhibit significant anti-diabetic potential by inhibiting α-amylase (with an IC50 value of 162.3 ± 1.05 μg/ml, comparable to the standard Acarbose™) and promoting glucose uptake in porcine hemidiaphragm tissue. This marks the first documentation of such activity in endophytic streptomycetes, highlighting their potential as novel sources for anti-diabetic agents. The findings underscore the Western Ghats' rich biodiversity as a reservoir for medicinally valuable microbial resources.

Akshatha, V. J., Nalini, M. S., D’Souza, C., & Prakash, H. S. (2014). Streptomycete endophytes from anti-diabetic medicinal plants of the Western Ghats inhibit alpha-amylase and promote glucose uptake. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 58(5), 433–439. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/lam.12209