Seeking Guidance and Help With Science Fair Project :: Enzyme Assay (Diabetes)

[deleted-311814]

I am trying to prepare for my science fair project.

I want to test alpha-amylase enzyme inhibitor properties of some ancient herbs/plant based chemicals. I want to find out if this will slow down the conversion of starch to glucose (like acarbose). This reaction is supported by alpha amylase enzyme which is found in the human saliva and stomach. My procedure will be in vitro or outside the body for my experiment, and I need help to develop a procedure. Would you please be able to guide me with the methods I should be using to find out inhibition properties? Would continuous enzyme assays like Spectrophotometric be the recommended method? Unfortunately, I don't have access to lab. Are there any other ways?

Another idea I have is measuring insulin activity using plant based chemicals that can act as insulin? Is there a way to measure insulin activity?

Best regards,
Student Seeking Help

[MadelineB]

Hello CBA321,
You have chosen a very interesting project! You might want to read the procedures for these two science buddies projects which use something called "invertase" to measure glucose concentrations.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #procedure

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #procedure

You might be able to adapt these procedures to evaluate the inhibitory effects of your herbs. You might want to actually perform the experiment for one of these projects in order to better understand how to incorporate your selection of herbs into the procedures! Perhaps some of the other experts on this forum have more experience in this area!

Be sure to let us know if you have more questions!

[deleted-317701]

I want to do a project that will open people eyes but I can't think of something my teacher would allow. My project has to be an experiment. I want to do something about how microwaves affects human beings but it keeps being rejected.