<I>In Vitro</I> α-Glucosidase Inhibition and Antioxidant Activity of <I>Walsura trifoliata</I> (A. Juss.) Harms

Abstract

Walsura trifoliata is being used in traditional system of medicine with scant scientific documentation. This report is an attempt to provide laboratory findings in support of its traditional use. The crude extract of the root prepared with the solvent systems hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol were used separately for its α–glucosidase inhibition, phenolic contents, reducing ability assay and antioxidant activities. The antioxidant property of the crude extracts were tested using DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay, Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging Assay, Nitric Oxide Radical Inhibition Assay, Superoxide Scavenging Activity, Inhibition of Lipid Peroxidation and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power. Among the solvent preparations, the methanol extract of the root of Walsura trifoliata showed the maximum inhibitory activity for α–glucosidase inhibition with the IC50 value 690 ± 1.44 µg/ml. The IC50 value for the methanol extract in DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay was 620 ± 1.99 µg/ml. Among all the parameters studied, methanol extract showed the maximum activity while minimum activity was recorded in hexane extract.Keywords: Walsura trifoliata, α–Glucosidase Inhibition, Antioxidant, Medicinal Plant