TROPICAL RESIN TREE (Heeria insgnis) LEAF EXTRACT AS A POTENTIAL INHIBITOR OF α-GLUCOSIDASE ACTIVITY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS: A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF ITS PHYTOCHEMICALS, PROXIMATE AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a condition that is characterized with hyperglycemia due to defect in insulin secretion, insulin inaction or both. One of the effective way of its management is to reduce the rate at which carbohydrates are broken down in the body. This can be achieved by inhibiting α-glucosidase activity. Therefore, searching for α-glucosidase inhibitors of plant origin with less side effect has become essential. Thus, the aim of this project is to carryout preliminary screening of Tropical resin tree (Heeria insignis) leaf for its phytochemicals, proximate and antioxidant potential. This we consider basic for identifying and testing the befitting phytochemicals from it for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. These screenings were done using standard methods. The results of phytochemical analysis revealed the extract contains Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins, Phenols, Tannins, Steroids, Triterpenes and Cardiac glycosides. Results of proximate analysis revealed the percentage composition of Moisture, Ash, Lipid, Protein, Fibre and Carbohydrate content to be 7.85 ± 0.09, 6.65 ± 0.16, 14.20 ± 0.87, 10.75 ± 0.69, 25.40 ± 0.55 and 35.15 ± 0.48% respectively. The antioxidant potential determination using three different methods revealed that the extract has high antioxidant activity which is dose-dependent.