In Vitro Alpha Amylase Inhibitory Effect of Selected Medicinal Plants
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a complicated health disorder that pushes human life into misery. Oral hypoglycemic agents are not effective for a complete cure, and it has side effects, too. Herbal remedies have long been used to treat diabetes and are widely accepted due to reduced side effects. Aqueous extracts made from dried leaves of Azadirachta indica, whole plant parts of Biophytum sensitivum, aerial roots of Cocos nucifera, and dried leaves of Passiflora edulis were used in this work to examine the antioxidant and antidiabetic effect. The extracts underwent additional phytochemical analysis to determine their total tannin, total flavonoid, and total phenolic contents. In our study, aerial roots of Cocos nucifera extract showed maximum antioxidant power (0.37±0.005) and α-amylase inhibition (83.50±0.57). Antidiabetic activity of coconut roots was reported for the first time. Hence, it opens the door for the creation of a potential drug against hyperglycemia. However, further investigations must be carried out to determine the specific chemicals and the exact mode of action behind the antidiabetic and insulin-mimetic activity of coconut roots.
