Evaluation Of In Vitro Activity Of The Ethanolic Extract Of Asteracantha Longifolia (L.) Nees Seeds

Abstract

Herbal medicine has played a vital role in traditional healthcare system, and plants like Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees being widely utilized for their therapeutic properties. This study evaluates the antidiabetic potential of A. longifolia seeds through in vitro assays targeting α-glucosidase and β-galactosidase enzymes. Extracts were prepared using petroleum ether and ethanol, followed by enzyme inhibition assays to measure their efficacy. The α-glucosidase inhibition assay revealed significant activity with the ethanolic extract, demonstrating an IC₅₀ value of 73.43 µg/ml compared to the standard drug, acarbose. Similarly, the β-galactosidase inhibition assay indicated substantial enzymatic inhibition, with an IC₅₀ value of 82.87 µg/ml. These findings scored the potential of A. longifolia as a safer and effective alternative in managing diabetes mellitus and advocate further exploration of its active constituents and mechanisms of action. Until date, the in vitro alpha glucosidase and beta galactosidase enzyme inhibition test have not been studied. Hence this study was particularly focused on these two-enzyme inhibition assay.