Comparative In-Vitro Analysis on Anti-Diabetic Potential of Selected Medicinal Herbs of Nepal

Abstract

Herbal medicinal plants were used in the Nepalese community long before synthetic medicine even came into existence. Despite the lacking scientific evidence, herbal medicines are considered the first option as a preventive as well as a curative measure for different diseases in most parts of the country. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic properties of selected herbal medicinal plantsin Nepal. A total of 18 herbal medicinal plant samples were collected and shade drying and moisture content determination. In vitro α- amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities were performed taking acarboseusing 90% methanolic extraction and evaporation methods. 50% Inhibitory Concentration (IC50) values were then subsequently calculated for both α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assay using software prism 5 vol. 5.0.Percentage inhibition was calculated in a triplicate manner and data indicates mean ± standard deviation of three independent experiments. IC50 values on α-amylase inhibitory activity calculated suggests that Trigonella foenum,Asparagus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum, Calendula officinalis, Cannabis sativa showed comparatively higher inhibition potential whereas efficient α-glucosidase inhibition potency was found to be of Asparagus officinalis,Hordeum vulgare, Cannabis sativa, Ocimum basilicum and Calendula officinalis. Also, results from Syzygium cumini (seed), and Terminalia arjuna was found inconclusive and the rest of the sample showed medium to very low anti-diabetic potency. Of 18 medicinal plant samples, five herbal medicinal plant samples used showed significant dose-dependent anti-diabetic potency. The findings of this study highlighted the role of indigenous medicinal plants in preventing and controlling blood sugar as alternative medicine in the Nepalese context. Further in-vivo and clinical research are crucial in achieving the foresighted milestone.