In-vitro exploration of anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic properties of Ipomea nil

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and in-vitro anti-diabetic potential of hydroalcoholic extract of Ipomea nil. Shade dried plants of Ipomea nil were processed for hydroalcoholic extraction. Further, they were processed for preliminary phytochemical evaluation followed by quantitative evaluation of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and alkaloids by colorimetric method. Anti-oxidant studies were investigated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing method and thiobarbituric acid method. In-vitro anti-diabetic activity was evaluated by measuring alpha-glucosidase inhibition, alpha-amylase inhibition and membrane filter method. Various phytoconstituents, phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids were majorly present. Some of the phytochemical constituents were further quantified as  2.76mg/GAV/g of dried drug powder and 7.11mg QEV/g of dried plant. The scavenging activity of the extract was expressed as percentage inhibition and compared with standard antioxidant ascorbic acid. The IC₅₀ value of ascorbic acid was found to be 12±1.13 µg/ml but whereas the extract exhibited 20±2.14 µg/ml. The inhibitory activity on alpha-amylase varied from 24 to 82% in the concentration range of 20 to100μg/ml compared to standard drug acarbose.The present study confirms that hydroalcoholic extract of Ipomea nil is a good source of flavonoids and alkaloids. Due to its inhibitory effect on alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes, it can be used as an anti-diabetic drug in the long run with a controlled diet. But still, detailed animal studies are required for its anti-diabetic potential and toxicity profile to be evaluated in detail before proceeding for human consumption.