Study of the inhibition of α-amylase by the benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids sanguinarine and chelerythrine

Inhibition of porcine pancreas and human saliva α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) by sanguinarine and chelerythrine was studied. The inhibition of α-amylase was assayed using a biosensor method which utilises a flow system equipped with a peroxide electrode. 250 μM sanguinarine and 250 μM chelerythrine cause complete inhibition of 1.9 nkat α-amylase from porcine pancreas. The same concentration of sanguinarine and chelerythrine caused 23.9% and 7.5% inhibition, respectively, of 1.9 nkat α-amylase from human saliva. Mixed type and partially reversible inhibition was found for both α-amylases treated with either alkaloid.