Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-diabetic Activity of Stem Bark of <i>Ziziphus jujuba</i> (L.) Gaertn

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM), a significant metabolic disorder that increases mortality and morbidity, affects people all over the world. Recently, many individuals are exploring CAM treatment that may have fewer side effects due to the prominent side effects of allopathic medications. Ziziphus jujuba (L.) Gaertn. (Rhamnaceae) stem bark has been a vital part of the conventional system of medicine for the management of diabetes, inflammation, wounds, fever, asthma and liver disorders. In spite of its pharmacological significance, Ziziphus jujuba stem bark lacks scientific evidence of its antidiabetic and antioxidant potential. Hence, an attempt has been made to evaluate the anti-diabetic effect of the stem bark of Ziziphus jujuba using alpha-amylase inhibition assay. In this research work, we further investigated the antioxidant activity of the Ziziphus jujuba using DPPH and Nitric oxide radical scavenging assay. The Chloroform (CEZJ), ethyl acetate (EAZJ) and Ethanol (EEZJ) extracts of Ziziphus jujuba stem bark were used in the study. In the DPPH radical scavenging assay, EEZJ had an IC50 value of 117.1 µg/ml, however, the value for the nitric oxide scavenging assay was 64.65 µg/ml. The Ziziphus jujuba was additionally examined for its in-vitro antidiabetic potential using an alpha-amylase inhibition assay, and it was discovered to possess a considerable percentage of alpha-amylase inhibition. The IC50 of EEZJ was found to be 34.68 µg/ml. These results imply that the Ziziphus jujuba possesses considerable antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. To thoroughly establish the anti-diabetic potential of Ziziphus jujuba, additional in vitro experiments utilizing cell lines and other enzymes may be conducted.