In vitro antidiabetic evaluation of Bombax buonopozense methanol leaf extract

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major worldwide health burden that requires research into cost-effective treatment alternatives. It has been claimed that herbal medicines, have improved glucose metabolism in diabetics. It has been showed that several plant extracts are useful in preserving glucose homeostasis. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical and antidiabetic activities of Bombax buonopozense methanol leaf extracts. Standard methods were used for the identification of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, phenolics, cardiacglycosides and steroids. The enzyme inhibitory activities of the extracts of B. buonopozense was evaluated on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The crude leaf extract of B. buonopozense exhibited a more effective inhibition on α-glucosidase with IC50 (Half maximal inhibitory concentration) values 888.20±35.06 μg/mL when compared to control (ascorbic acid) with values 1076±2.77 μg/mL. Fractions of ethyl acetate showed lower inhibitory property of alpha glucosidase with IC50 value 18.44±2.63 μg/mL compared to the control (ascorbic acid with IC50 value 16325±1318 μg/mL). This study showed the scientific basis for the traditional therapeutic usage of B. buonopozense by proven its antidiabetic activity in vitro. This is the first time that B. buonopozense’s antidiabetic efficacy and possible mechanisms have been documented.