Department of Botany, N.E.S. Science College, Nanded, Maharashtra, India.
The rising global prevalence of diabetes has prompted the search for alternative therapeutic strategies, particularly those based on natural sources. This study evaluates the in vitro antidiabetic potential of Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf extract, focusing on its effects on key enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion and its antioxidant properties. The extract was tested for its ability to inhibit alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, two enzymes crucial for glucose absorption. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed, as oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. The results revealed that Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf extract effectively inhibited both alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, suggesting its potential to control postprandial blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, which may help mitigate oxidative damage commonly associated with diabetes. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the antidiabetic effects of Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf extract and support its potential as a therapeutic agent for diabetes management.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by high blood sugar levels resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, contributing to a range of complications such as cardiovascular diseases, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Despite the availability of conventional treatments like oral hypoglycaemic agents and insulin, these therapies often come with limitations, including side effects and high costs. As a result, there has been an increasing interest in exploring natural alternatives for diabetes management, especially from plant-based sources that offer multi-targated therapeutic effcts with fewer adverse outcomes. Artocarpus heterophyllus, commonly known as jackfruit, is a tropical tree native to Asia, renowned for its large fruit and nutritional benefits. Traditionally, various parts of the plant, including the fruit, seeds, and leaves, have been used in folk medicine to treat a wide range of aliments, such as digestive issues, inflammation, and infections. While research on the fruits and seeds of A.heterophyllus has received considerable attention, the medicinal potential of its leaves remains largely unexplored. Recent studies have indicated that the leaves contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which suggest a possible role in mitigating metabolic disorders like diabetes. Given the prevalence of diabetes and the limitations of current treatment options, it is important to explore the potential antidiabetic effects of plant-based extracts, particularly those from underutilized sources like A. heterophyllus leaves. This study aim to evaluate the in vitro antidiabetic activity of A. heterophyllus leaf extract, focusing on its ability to inhibit key enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, namely alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. Furthermore, the study investigates the extract’s antioxidant properties, which are crucial in addressing the oxidative stress that contributes to the development and progression of diabetes. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to contribute to the development of novel, natural therapeutic strategies for managing diabetes.
Anti-diabetic assay of leaf extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus by alpha amylase method:
The alpha amylase test for antidiabetic activity is typically performed in vitro. In this test, the inhibition of alpha-amylase enzyme activity is measured using a controlled laboratory setting, often by incubating the enzyme with a plant extract and assessing its ability to inhibit starch breakdown. This helps to determine the potential of a substance to reduce glucose absorption, mimicking how a potential antidiabetic agent might work in the human body.
Experimental procedure:
1. In vitro amylase inhibition was carried out by the method of Bernfeld.
2. In this method,100 µL of different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, 100µg/ml) test compound was allowed to react with 500 µL of 0.1M phosphate buffer pH 6.9 containing α-amylase enzyme (fungal diastage (0.5%)).
3. After 10-minute incubation at 25 0C, 500 µL of 1% starch solution in 0.1M phosphate buffer pH6.8 was added. Again, incubated at 25 0c for 10 min.
4. The same was performed for the controls where 500 µL of the enzyme was replaced by buffer. After incubation, 1000 µL of dinitrosalicylic acid reagent was added to both control and test.
5. They were kept in boiling water bath for 10 min and cooled. The absorbance was recorded at 540 nm using spectrophotometer and the percentage inhibition of α-amylase enzyme was calculated using the formula.
Inhibition (%) = Abs 540 (control) – Abs 540 (extract) * 100 Abs 540(control).
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α-amylase enzyme inhibition assay |
IC50 (µg/ml) |
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SR. NO. |
Sample code |
Concentration (µg/ml) |
Absorbance at 540nm |
% Inhibition |
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|
|
Test 1 |
Test 2 |
Test 3 |
Mean |
|
|
|
1 |
Control |
|
1.74 |
1.74 |
1.74 |
1.74 |
- |
62.13 |
|
2 |
Standard (Acarbose) |
20 |
1.62 |
1.62 |
1.63 |
1.62 |
6.89% |
|
|
|
|
40 |
1.31 |
1.32 |
1.31 |
1.31 |
24.71% |
|
|
|
|
60 |
1.09 |
1.08 |
1.07 |
1.08 |
37.93% |
|
|
|
|
80 |
0.82 |
0.83 |
0.82 |
0.82 |
52.87% |
|
|
|
|
100 |
0.43 |
0.43 |
0.42 |
0.42 |
75.86% |
|
|
3 |
Antocarpus heterophyllus |
20 |
1.42 |
1.45 |
1.41 |
1.42 |
18.39% |
|
|
|
|
40 |
1.31 |
1.34 |
1.29 |
1.31 |
24.71% |
|
|
|
|
60 |
1.20 |
1.23 |
1.18 |
1.20 |
31.03% |
|
|
|
|
80 |
1.09 |
1.12 |
1.07 |
1.09 |
37.35% |
|
|
|
|
100 |
0.92 |
0.94 |
0.91 |
0.92 |
47.12% |
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CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf extract exhibits significant antidiabetic potential through its inhibitory effects and alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, key enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. The extract also demonstrated notable antioxidant activity, which may contribute to reducing oxidative stress commonly observed in diabetic conditions. These results indicate that Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf extract could be a promising candidate for managing diabetes, potentially by regulating glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity. However, further investigation through in vivo studies and clinical trials is necessary to validate these findings, identify the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects, and assess the safety and efficacy of the extract in long-term use.
Fig.- Antidiabetic assay of leaf extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus by alpha-amylase method
REFERENCE
Radhika Deshpande*, Roopa Sangvikar, Antidiabetic Activity of Artocarpus heterophyllus Leaf Extract: In vitro Assessment and Mechanistic Insights, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 10, 01-04 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17239762
10.5281/zenodo.17239762
