In vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Eryngium foetidum Linn.

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Eryngium foetidum Linn. belongs to the family Apiaceae, is an aromatic herbaceous plant with culinary importance, that is used worldwide as substitute for coriander. The aim of the present study was to extract the phytochemicals of E. foetidum leaves and evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Materials and Methods: E. foetidum plants were collected, shade dried, coarsely powdered and defatted. The defatted material was subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol as solvent. The extract was subjected for phytochemical screening by qualitative analyses by UV-vis spectroscopy and TLC and RP-HPLC. Quantitative analyses of phenolics, flavonoids and saponins was carried out. The extract was evaluated for antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging assays, and for antidiabetic activity by performing ?-amylase inhibition and ?-glucosidase inhibition assays. Results: Results of the investigations suggest that E. foetidum leaves are rich source of phytochemicals like flavonoids and saponins. The phytochemicals present in the methanolic extract of E. foetidum leaves possess antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Conclusion: The present study reveals that E. foetidum leaves possess therapeutically important phytochemicals that could be further exploited as nutraceuticals considering the culinary importance of the plant. Keywords: Phytochemicals; Eryngium foetidum Linn.; flavonoids; saponins; antioxidant activity; antidiabetic activity.