Antihyperglycemic and Antioxidant Potential of Plant Extract of Litchi chinensis and Glycine max

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus, an endocrine disease, is a major health concern all over the world. Litchi chinensis Gaertn. and Glycine max (L.) Merr have been traditionally used in Chinese medicines for the treatment of various disorders. The present study was carried out to explore the antioxidant and antihyperglycemic potential of ethyl acetate and hydroethanolic extracts of L. chinensis fruit pericarp and G. max seed coats. Methods: Phytoconstituents of ethyl acetate and hydroethanolic extracts of L. chinensis fruit pericarp and G. max seed coat were investigated using preliminary qualitative techniques. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of ethyl acetate and hydroethanolic extracts was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) free radical scavenging, reducing power assays, total phenol content, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). In vivo antihyperglycemic activity was assessed using alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels were evaluated on 0, 7th, 14th, and 28th day of the study. Results: Hydroethanolic extracts of both plants exhibited superior antioxidant activity to ethyl acetate extract. A marked increase in levels of serum glucose was observed in diabetic rats. Ethyl acetate and hydroalcoholic extract treatment for 28 days accounted for decreased blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic rats. Conclusions: The present study suggests that ethyl acetate and hydroethanolic extracts of L. chinensis fruit pericarp and G. max seed coats possess potent antioxidant antihyperglycemic activities and have potential as a therapeutic agent in diabetes.