Abstract

Five Flower Remedy (FFR), a Thai traditional medicine, has a history of use for various ailments. This study investigated its antidiabetic potential by examining its impact on key carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. We explored FFR’s inhibitory effects, synergistic interactions with the standard antidiabetic drug acarbose, and the underlying mechanisms involved. In vitro analysis revealed that FFRA significantly inhibited both α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Importantly, a synergistic effect was observed when FFRA extract was combined with acarbose, particularly at low concentrations for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition. This suggests a potential benefit in combination therapy. Furthermore, FFRE demonstrated greater inhibitory potency against both enzymes compared to acarbose. Mechanistically, FFRE inhibited α-amylase through competitive inhibition and α-glucosidase through noncompetitive inhibition, indicating distinct modes of action. These findings provide scientific validation for the traditional use of FFR in managing diabetes and offer valuable insights into its pharmacological properties. The observed synergistic effects and distinct inhibition mechanisms highlight FFR’s potential as a therapeutic agent. This study serves as a foundation for future research, including identifying the specific bioactive components responsible for FFR’s antidiabetic effects, in vivo studies to confirm these findings in living organisms, and ultimately, clinical trials to evaluate its efficacy and safety in human subjects. Further investigation could pave the way for developing FFR as a novel therapeutic approach for diabetes management.