2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Identify mechanisms that mediate anti-diabetic effects of serviceberry extracts. 2. Isolate and identify the anti-diabetic constituent(s) from serviceberry. 3. Develop a robust micropropagation system for rapid germplasm multiplication, maintenance and storage. 4. Develop efficient organic production systems for serviceberry cultivation. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): ARS contact scientist will identify anti-diabetic constituents from serviceberry through activity-guided fractionation using an assay that will be conducted at Auburn University, another collaborator in this project. ARS scientist will use various spectroscopic methods to identify the anti-diabetic constituent(s). 3.Progress Report: This project involves collaboration of four institutions: Blackfeet Community College, Auburn University, Alabama A&M University, and USDA, ARS, Natural Products Utilization Research Unit (NPURU). On October 5-7,2011, collaborating scientists from Auburn University, Alabama A&M University, and USDA, ARS, NPURU visited the Blackfeet Community College and made presentations on the respective aspects of research related to this project on Serviceberry. During this fiscal year, fractionation of the extract of Serviceberry leaves has continued, and an active compound is close to being isolated. A collaborator at Auburn University has done all testing of the chromatography fractions for inhibition of alpha-glucosidase. Animal feeding study of Serviceberry extract was also done at Auburn University. A paper on the animal feeding study has been submitted and recently accepted for publication. This publication is listed on the report for the in-house project, 6408-41000-008-00D "CHEMISTRY OF NATURAL PRODUCTS FOR NUTRACEUTICAL USE, PEST MANAGEMENT AND CROP DEVELOPMENT". This project was monitored via email and phone/conference calls.