LEAF EXTRACT AN IN-VITRO STUDY ON ITS ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITIES THROUGH SCAVENGING AND ENZYME INHIBITION

The prevalence of high blood sugar commonly known as diabetes mellitus has increased significantly globally, necessitating the need for alternative therapeutic options. Parquetina nigrescens is a valuable medicinal plant and has been traditionally used in management of different kinds of ailments including diabetes over the years. This study aimed to investigate the in-vitro scavenging ability and inhibitory effects of aqueous leaves extract of P. nigrescens on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase activities. The extract phytochemical composition was also analysed using standard qualitative test and the scavenging ability of the extract was evaluated using DPPH and ferric antioxidant power. The inhibitory effect of alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase activites was assessed sphectrophotometrically. The aqueous extract of P.nigrescences leaves demonstrated significant scavenging activity against DPPH and ferric antioxidant potential. The extract exhibited potent inhibitory effects on both alpha amylase and glucosidase activities, indicating its potential as an antidiabetic agent. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, phenol compounds and flavonoids which could contribute to the observed biological activities. The findings of this study suggest that the aqueous P.nigrescens leaves possess notable scavenging ability against free radicals and inhibitory effects on the alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase activities. These results indicate the plant potential as a natural source for developing antidiabetic agents.