In Vitro Antioxidant and Antidiabetic properties of leaves aqueous extract of Sonchus maritimus

Abstract

One of the most serious health issues facing worldwide today is diabetes mellitus. Although they have inevitable adverse effects, conventional antidiabetic medications are effective. However, plants might also provide an alternate source of anti-diabetic chemicals. This study was focused on determining the antioxidant activities of the leaves aqueous extract of Sonchus maritimus using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing ability assay power (FRAP), as well as its antidiabetic activities, which were performed using different protocols, including alpha-amylase inhibitory properties, glucose uptake by yeast cell’s ability, and glucose adsorption capacity. It was noted that S. maritimum extract exhibited moderate activities to scavenge the free radical DPPH and to reduce ferric iron to ferrous iron compared to standard (ascorbic acid). However, the aqueous extract of S. maritimus showed better alpha-amylase inhibitory activity compared to acarbose. It also showed good adsorption strength for binding to glucose molecules. Moreover, the extract showed excellent improvement in glucose uptake by yeast cells at different glucose concentrations in the medium compared to metformin. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of S. maritimus leaves is a promising source of potential antidiabetic compounds that can help prevent diabetes complications and alleviate associated oxidative stress.