Vinz Sweety M. Lagahit, Lanie Ann A. Malayao, Michaela Theresa S. Angulo, Laurence Dave C. Remperas, Mary Joyce P. Rivera, Catherine A. Ortega, Beatrix B. Loyao, Meije M. Lapinig, Glenn Joseph U. Ecoy, Judah Israel O. Lescano, Pajaree Sakdiset, Florencio V. Arce, Gerard Lee L. See
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable metabolic condition characterized by chronic high blood glucose levels. Cases of DM in low-and middle-income countries such as the Philippines are increasing yearly. Although oral antidiabetic agents are capable of targeting either one or multiple mechanisms, pharmacotherapy remains challenging due to the development of resistance, side effects, and toxicity. Several works underscore the antidiabetic activity of Garcinia kola (GK), but some challenges are posed regarding its physicochemical properties. Hence, this study aimed to prepare GK as a dry powder through spray-drying and evaluate its ability to inhibit α-amylase and antihyperglycemic activity. Spray-dried GK seed extract was prepared and characterized for moisture, solubility, density profiles, and excipient compatibility was assessed through thermal behavior. In vitro α-amylase assay was tested, and antihyperglycemic activity was confirmed in alloxan-induced diabetic ICR rats. The seeds were powdered and macerated in 70% ethanol at a 1:10 ratio for 48 h. Spray-dried extract (SDE) moisture content was recorded at 4.67 ± 0.01%, whereas water solubility was measured to be 0.05 ± 0.10 g/mL. The two-fluid-nozzle atomization-based spray-drying method yielded a powder yield of 9.13 ± 0.01% with a Hausner ratio of 1.63 ± 0.09. Differential scanning calorimetry thermogram revealed the formation of an amorphous solid GK SDE powder with higher thermal stability than GK and maltodextrin alone. At the lowest concentration (2 mg/mL), α-amylase inhibitory activity was recorded at 83.18 ± 1.27% (p < 0.05). In vivo, GK SDE displayed dose-dependent antihyperglycemic activity (p < 0.01). The results of this study posit the GK-SDE inhibition of α-amylase and reduction of blood glucose levels in diabetes-induced mice models. © 2026, Department of Science and Technology. All rights reserved.
Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Care Professions, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines; Pharmaceutical Research and Drug Development Laboratories, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Care Professions, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines; Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, National Research Council of the Philippines, Taguig City, 1637, Philippines; School of Pharmacy, Walailak University, Thaiburi, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80161, Thailand
