In Vitro Antidiabetic Activity of Aqueous and Ethanolic Leaf Extracts from Various Medicinal Plants

Abstract

Momordica balsamina, and Salacia reticulata are recognized for their diverse biological properties, including antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to assess the in vitro antidiabetic potential of aerial parts of Momordica balsamina extracts and Slacia reticulata extract through digestive enzymes inhibition assay targeting α-amylase and α-glucosidase, crucial enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion. Acarbose, aqueous, and ethanolic extracts of Momordica balsamina and Salacia reticulata were evaluated at concentrations ranging from 20 to 100 mg/ml.

The absorbance values for α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes were measured at 540nm and 400nm, respectively, using a spectrophotometer. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts exhibited significant inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the ethanolic extract displayed greater inhibitory activity compared to the aqueous extract