Inhibitory potential on key enzymes relevant to type II diabetes mellitus and antioxidant properties of the various extracts and phytochemical constituents from Rumex acetosella L.

Abstract

Type II diabetes mellitus is a common and costly disease worldwide, characterized by hyperglycemia. Alpha (α)-amylase and α-glucosidase are important targets in diabetes therapy. Inhibition of these enzymes may lessen hyperglycemia, preventing diabetic complications. Oxidative stress is another factor involved in the disease's etiology. In the present study, we investigated antidiabetic profiles of the various extracts and phytochemicals of Rumex acetosella. Since the plant has been traditionally used for the antidiabetic purposes. α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory studies in addition to DPPH•, ABTS•+, radical scavenging, and phosphomolybdate antioxidant assays were performed to evaluate the antidiabetic property. Specifically, the ethanol and ethanol-water extracts remarkably inhibited α-glucosidase than that of acarbose, unlike their slight/no inhibition on α-amylase. Convincing α-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant potential of alcohol-including extracts verified the ethnobotanical use of R. acetosella as an antidiabetic agent. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The incidence of Type II DM is rising globally. Reducing hyperglycemia holds great importance to prevent devastating outcomes of diabetic complications. Ethnobotanical use of natural sources for medical purposes provides a basis for their potential activity against various diseases. The introduction of herbal agents may lead to the development of new drug candidates with convincing activity. Rumex acetosella L. has been traditionally used for the antidiabetic purposes. The research pointed out various extracts and phytochemical constituents from R. acetosella may act as antihyperglycemic agents. Particularly, alcohol-including extracts of R. acetosella may be considered as promising alternatives in the prevention or treatment of type II DM. The study puts emphasis on the therapeutic value of the plants for antidiabetic medication.