Rashmi D and Nagesh Babu R

Latex is a widespread defence in plants against natural enemies, plant latex is a natural source of biologically active compounds and several hydrolytic enzymes responsible for their diverse health benefits. A large number of plant latex still need to be investigated through screening of amylases suitable for industry. In the present study, and for the first time, we describe the amylolytic activity of Ficus auriculata and investigated biochemical properties like effects of temperature, pH, metal ions, inhibitor study and compatibility with some commercial detergents. Amylase activity was screened in crude latex using the DNS method and potato starch as a substrate. Amylase was active in optimal pH of 4 and temperature of 20 °C. The enzyme inhibition studies showed that the Feno (Commercial detergent) significantly inhibited enzyme activity. The effect of metal ions on amylase study proved that CaCl2 slightly inhibited the activity of enzyme whereas inhibitor such as EDTA completely inhibited the amylase activity since plant latex is a rich source of pharmaceuticals, pesticides and immune allergens our study supported that the amylase is a good choice for application in starch, food, detergents and medical industries.

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