Apple Cider Vinegar Supplements as an Inhibitor of Glycogen Phosphorylase

Voiceover

Presenter(s)

Madeline Tessmer

Abstract or Description

Glycogen phosphorylase is a key metabolic enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of the glucose storage molecule glycogen into glucose-1-phosphate (G-1-P). The regulation of this enzyme is particularly important for the regulation of blood glucose levels. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular dietary supplement with proposed health benefits that range from aiding in weight loss to reducing blood sugar levels and ultimately improving the symptoms of diabetes. However, there is little to no research confirming these alleged effects. This experiment aims to test the effect of apple cider vinegar on glycogen phosphorylase, to see if there is a correlation between consuming apple cider vinegar and the rate at which glycogen is broken down to release glucose. The amount of G-1-P produced by the glycogen phosphorylase reaction was determined by monitoring the absorbance of the reaction at 600 nm. The kinetic assays performed with ACV were compared to assays performed with a known inhibitor, caffeine. The results suggest that ACV acts as an inhibitor of glycogen phosphorylase. The overall health benefits of ACV have yet to be confirmed, but the data presented in this experiment shows that it reduces the enzymatic activity of glycogen phosphorylase. 

Mentor

Roberto De Guzman