Inhibition of advanced glycation end products by Punica granatum Linn. leaves and its antioxidant activity

Abstract

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are the consequent products by virtue of non-enzymatic reaction of reducing sugars with amino groups present either in lipids, nucleic acids or proteins. Lately AGEs have been embroiled in the inception of diabetes induced complications. In Ayurveda, Punica granatum is contemplated as “a pharmacy unto itself”. Punica granatum leaves have been stated to have anti-diabetic activity. The purpose of the existing study was to determine the anti-glycation potential of methanolic extract of Punica granatum leaves (MPGL) and investigate the fundamental mechanisms in discouraging the glycation process. Antioxidant activity of MPGL was estimated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging assays. Both MPGL and aminoguanidine were evaluated against the formation of AGEs. Antiglycation activity was evaluated by determining the fluorescence intensity of AGEs and formation of fructosamine. Protein oxidation in the glycation process was determined by evaluating the protein carbonyl content and thiol group. MPGL demonstrated IC50 value of 15.602 ± 0.296 and 724.323 ± 16.451 µg/ml for the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays respectively. Current study revealed that MPGL had cogent effects on the in vitro formation of AGEs. MPGL decreased fructosamine level and significantly counteracted the oxidative damage of protein by curbing protein carbonyl content and impeding the loss of thiol group. The anti-glycation activity was farther cogent than the glycation inhibitory activity attained using the standard drug, aminoguanidine. Thereupon, MPGL presents to be more encouraging to be emerged as an competent AGE inhibitor.