Abstract

Carbonic anhydrases (EC 4.2.1.1) are ubiquitous metalloenzymes present in prokaryotes and eukaryotes that are encoded by five evolutionarily unrelated gene families involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Novel interesting chemo types, in addition to the sulfonamide and sulfamate were discovered, many of which are based on natural products, such as phenols/polyphenols, phenolic acids, and coumarins. Methanolic extract of Abrus precatorius belongs to family Fabaceae tested for human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) I and II inhibition study. The significant IC 50 values are calculated for the methanolic extract of Abrus precatorius for hCA I found to be 0.13 mM/ml which is showing relatively less potent inhibition than hCA against hCA II having IC 50 values of 0.12 mM/ml. Abrus precatorius is a weak inhibitor that may constitute leads for developing tighter binding compounds.

Keywords: Carbonic anhydrase, carbonic enzyme inhibitor, natural product, Abrus precatorius, phenolic compounds, metalloenzymes, calcification, tumorigenicity, edema, glaucoma