Phytochemical and in-vitro antidiabetic study of Averrhoa bilimbi flower

| Posted in: Health Sciences Science Journals

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Phytochemical evaluation and in-vitro antidiabetic activity of averrhoa bilimbi flower
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Radhika G., Pradija Sasidharan, Ajithbabu T. K., Spinney Sulaiman, Harsha C. K.


Download the PDF file of the original publication


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Phytochemical evaluation and in-vitro antidiabetic activity of averrhoa bilimbi flower

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr202212-25382

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Averrhoa bilimbi, commonly known as bilimbi, is a traditional medicinal plant cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions. A review of existing literature indicates its widespread use in folk medicine to address lifestyle-related health issues, including diabetes mellitus, as well as its properties as an antimicrobial agent. The pharmacological potential of bilimbi has prompted research focusing on its phytochemical constituents and biological activities, particularly its anti-diabetic effects. This study specifically investigates the in vitro anti-diabetic activity of the ethanolic extract of bilimbi flowers using the alpha-amylase inhibition method.

Phytochemical Evaluation of Averrhoa Bilimbi

The phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract of Averrhoa bilimbi flowers revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds, including carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and steroidal glycosides. These phytochemicals are acknowledged for their therapeutic potential, contributing to the plant's medicinal properties. The study highlights the relevance of conducting preliminary phytochemical screenings to identify these active constituents, which could be responsible for the observed anti-diabetic effects. Specifically, the presence of flavonoids is noteworthy as these compounds are often linked to beneficial biological activities, including the modulation of glucose metabolism.

Anti-Diabetic Activity and Mechanism

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, and effective management often involves the use of substances that can inhibit the action of enzymes like alpha-amylase. This study demonstrates that the ethanolic extract of Averrhoa bilimbi flowers exhibits a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on alpha-amylase, which plays a crucial role in starch digestion. The findings indicate that at varying concentrations of the extract, there is a significant reduction in maltose production, thereby confirming the extract’s potential as a natural anti-diabetic agent. This represents a promising avenue for the development of alternative therapeutic approaches to manage hyperglycemia associated with diabetes.

Methodology of Extraction and Evaluation

In this research, the flowers of Averrhoa bilimbi were collected and dried followed by extraction through maceration with ethanol. The study employed a systematic approach where physicochemical evaluations such as moisture content, extractive values, and ash values were determined to assess the quality of the extract. Such comprehensive evaluations are critical for establishing the reliability and effectiveness of the plant material. Additionally, the alpha-amylase inhibition assay was utilized to quantify the extract’s anti-diabetic activity, thereby highlighting methodological rigor in evaluating the pharmacological potential of plant extracts.

Conclusion

The study successfully illustrates that the ethanolic extract of Averrhoa bilimbi flowers possesses significant anti-diabetic activity, attributed to its rich phytochemical profile. With the growing need for effective and less harmful alternatives to synthetic anti-diabetic drugs, this research underscores the potential of Averrhoa bilimbi flowers as a candidate for further pharmacological investigation. The findings serve as a foundation for future studies aimed at isolating specific active compounds and understanding their mechanisms of action, ultimately contributing to the development of natural therapeutic agents in the treatment of diabetes.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Averrhoa bilimbi and its common uses?

Averrhoa bilimbi is a traditional medicinal plant used in folk medicine for treating diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and as an antimicrobial agent.

What method was used to evaluate the anti-diabetic activity?

The anti-diabetic activity was evaluated using the alpha-amylase inhibition method, assessing the inhibition of enzyme activity by the ethanolic extract of the bilimbi flower.

What phytochemicals were found in the ethanolic extract of flowers?

Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and steroidal glycosides in the ethanolic extract of Averrhoa bilimbi flowers.

What are the important findings regarding anti-diabetic activity?

The study showed that the ethanolic extract of Averrhoa bilimbi flowers exhibited significant anti-diabetic activity with a dose-dependent increase in alpha-amylase inhibition.

How was the plant material prepared for the study?

The flowers of Averrhoa bilimbi were collected, dried under shade, powdered, and stored in an airtight container before extraction.

What is the significance of the study's findings for pharmaceutical research?

The significant anti-diabetic activity of Averrhoa bilimbi flower extract suggests its potential as a lead compound for the development of new pharmaceutical agents.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Phytochemical and in-vitro antidiabetic study of Averrhoa bilimbi flower”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Activity:
In this context, 'Activity' refers to the biological effects exhibited by the ethanolic extract of Averrhoa bilimbi flower, specifically its anti-diabetic properties. Understanding the activity is crucial for assessing the plant's potential therapeutic applications in managing diabetes and indicates how effectively it can inhibit enzymes like alpha-amylase related to glucose metabolism.

2) Phytochemical:
'Phytochemicals' encompass various bioactive compounds sourced from plants. The study underscores their importance in mediating the effects of the Averrhoa bilimbi extract on diabetes, showcasing the need for ongoing research to discover and contextualize the benefits of these compounds in herbal medicine and pharmacotherapy.

3) Water:
'Water' in this text primarily refers to the solvent used in the extraction process of the phytochemicals from Averrhoa bilimbi flowers. The effectiveness of water as a solvent helps determine the types and amounts of bioactive compounds that can be extracted, thus influencing the potential therapeutic outcomes of the plant extracts.

4) Medicine:
'Medicines' encompass various therapeutic products derived from plants or synthesized chemicals used to treat health issues. In this context, they highlight the transition from herbal remedies, such as those containing Averrhoa bilimbi, to potentially standardized pharmacological treatments for diabetic patients, aiming for wider public health applications.

5) Drug:
'Drugs' refer to substances used for medical treatment; in this context, they represent both traditional herbal remedies like Averrhoa bilimbi as well as modern pharmaceuticals. The exploration of natural plant extracts can lead to discovering new efficacies and developing alternative medications for various health challenges.

6) Flavonoid:
'Flavonoids' reiterates the importance of this specific group of phytochemicals identified in the extracts. They are acknowledged for their biological activities and roles in reducing oxidative stress, which contributes to their potential as therapeutic agents in managing conditions like diabetes, found in the Averrhoa bilimbi flower.

7) Study (Studying):
'Study' refers to the systematic exploration of the anti-diabetic effects and phytochemical characteristics of Averrhoa bilimbi flowers. The study's insights into the plant's efficacy can contribute valuable knowledge towards developing alternative remedies in diabetes care, aligning with broader pharmaceutical research objectives.

8) Kasaragod:
Kasaragod is the location where the Averrhoa bilimbi plant was collected for the study. The geographical and cultural context of Kasaragod highlights regional biodiversity and the traditional uses of medicinal plants, providing a background for the significance of local flora in pharmaceutical research.

9) Table:
In academic or research settings, a 'Table' acts as a visual representation of data. It organizes findings from the phytochemical analysis and anti-diabetic studies, making complex information accessible for readers to interpret trends and results effectively, which is essential for scientific communication.

10) Disease:
'Diseases' encompass various health conditions that affect populations, particularly lifestyle diseases like diabetes. The research focuses on exploring natural remedies in addressing these prevalent conditions, emphasizing the need for alternative treatments that may arise from traditional knowledge combined with scientific validation.

11) Sugar:
'Sugar' in this article connotes glucose levels in the blood. Controlling blood sugar is vital for diabetes management, and the study evaluates how Averrhoa bilimbi extracts might inhibit sugar release post-meal by influencing enzymes like alpha-amylase, which plays a key role in carbohydrate digestion.

12) Blood:
'Blood' signifies the bodily fluid that transports nutrients, hormones, and waste. In diabetes, monitoring blood sugar is crucial, and the study's implications on how plant extracts affect blood glucose levels offer insights on using natural products in diabetes management strategies for improved health outcomes.

13) Dish (Dis):
'Dish' typically refers to the container used in laboratory settings for measuring and testing substances. In this research, a 'dish' might indicate where the evaporation and weighing of extracts occur, underlining the importance of precise laboratory procedures in obtaining reliable results related to drug formulations.

14) Container:
'Container' refers to any receptacle used to hold or store materials, emphasizing the necessity for appropriate laboratory equipment when preparing and isolating botanical extracts. Proper containment ensures the integrity of the phytochemical components during the extraction and storage processes.

15) Family:
'Family' often denotes the taxonomic classification in biology. In this text, it refers to the Oxalidaceae family to which Averrhoa bilimbi belongs, which is essential for identifying its botanical relationships. Understanding family traits can aid in predicting the medicinal properties of related plants.

16) Malik:
'Malik' is part of the institutional affiliation indicative of a specific research group or academic setting involved in the study. It underscores the role of academic institutions in scientific exploration, supporting the research and validation of traditional practices within the framework of modern science.

17) Pharmacological:
'Pharmacological' pertains to the branch of medicine that studies the effects of drugs. Highlighting pharmacological aspects emphasizes the significance of evaluating traditional medicinal plants like Averrhoa bilimbi through a scientific lens to explore their therapeutic potential and safety profiles in modern medicine.

18) Calculation:
'Calculation' relates to the quantification of effects observed in experiments, such as determining inhibitory concentrations in anti-diabetic assays. Accurate calculations are critical for interpreting data, allowing researchers to establish the efficacy of extracts and contribute to the development of dosages relevant for clinical applications.

19) Discussion:
'Discussion' is the analytical component of research where results are interpreted and contextualized. This section allows researchers to explore implications, compare findings with existing knowledge, and suggest future directions, thus driving scientific inquiry and potential applications of the findings in broader medical practices.

20) Substance:
'Substance' refers to any chemical compound or extract being studied. In this research context, the substances examined include the extracts from Averrhoa bilimbi flowers, which are evaluated for their potential anti-diabetic properties, indicating the importance of studying various materials for medicinal use.

21) Quality:
'Quality' in this context relates to the standard of the plant extracts used in the research. High-quality extracts can ensure reliable research outputs, emphasizing the importance of rigorous methodologies in terms of collection, preparation, and analysis in pharmacognostic studies.

22) Itching:
'Itching' relates to a common symptom often treated with herbal remedies. The mention of itching in relation to Averrhoa bilimbi suggests its varied medicinal uses, beyond anti-diabetic properties, highlighting the plant's broader applications in traditional treatments for different ailments.

23) Harsha (Harsa):
'Harsha' is likely an author's name affiliated with the study. Including individual contributors underscores the collaborative nature of research and acknowledgment of efforts in the scientific community to advance knowledge on the pharmacological potential of traditional plants.

24) Cancer:
'Cancer' represents a serious health condition that sometimes leads patients to explore alternative therapies when conventional treatments are limited. The connection to cancer indicates the broad spectrum of research potential for Averrhoa bilimbi, suggesting that its phytochemicals may provide benefits beyond diabetes alone.

25) Powder:
'Powder' refers to the processed form of the Averrhoa bilimbi flowers used for extraction. Using powdered plant material enhances the surface area, improving the extraction process and allowing for more efficient isolation of active compounds necessary for studying their bioactive properties.

26) Botany:
'Botany' is the scientific study of plants, essential for understanding the classification and characteristics of Averrhoa bilimbi. Knowledge in botany informs medicinal uses and the ecological context of plants, enhancing research efforts by linking traditional practices with scientific insights.

27) India:
'India' denotes the geographical and cultural context within which this research is situated. The rich tradition of herbal medicine in India underscores the significance of local plant species like Averrhoa bilimbi, emphasizing the need to scientifically validate conventional treatments used in the region.

28) Glass:
'Glass' refers to laboratory equipment used for various chemical and biological analyses. Glassware ensures the proper containment of substances during experiments, indicating the importance of using appropriate materials to yield accurate and reliable scientific results.

29) Field:
'Field' encompasses the specific discipline of study or research area. Here, it refers to pharmacognosy, the study of medicinal plants, which plays a crucial role in understanding and validating the uses of Averrhoa bilimbi in treating diabetes and other health conditions.

30) Shai (Sai):
'Shai' likely refers to an author cited within the research for their methodology or findings. Mentioning other studies enriches the research context by connecting current findings to established knowledge, thereby supporting the credibility and relevance of the current investigation into Averrhoa bilimbi's medicinal properties.

31) Food:
'Food' in this document relates to the non-specific mention of substances ingested by individuals, which can influence blood sugar levels. Research on plant extracts like Averrhoa bilimbi connects usage in dietary contexts, signifying the importance of understanding the implications of herbal remedies on nutrition and health.

32) Rich (Rch):
'Rich' relates to the high concentration of bioactive compounds found in Averrhoa bilimbi and signifies its potential as a beneficial source of medicinal ingredients. This term emphasizes the importance of exploring diverse plant materials for their health-promoting properties in pharmacy and nutrition.

33) Life:
'Life' represents the essence of living organisms, indicating the importance of maintaining health through natural remedies. This research on Averrhoa bilimbi's anti-diabetic effects highlights the broader goal of improving life quality by using traditional knowledge to address contemporary health issues.

Other Science Concepts:

[back to top]

Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Phytochemical and in-vitro antidiabetic study of Averrhoa bilimbi flower’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Averrhoa bilimbi, Medicinal plant, Flavonoid, Traditional remedies, Phytochemical screening, Pharmacognostic study, Therapeutic potential, Moisture content determination, Type 2 diabetes, Physicochemical evaluation, Postprandial hyperglycemia, Extractive value, Anti-diabetic activity, Alkaloid, In vitro activity, Therapeutic approaches, Plant Derived Compound, Alpha amylase enzyme.

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Help to become even better: