Phytochemical Investigation and Pharmacological Evaluation of Crinum Solapurense Leaves for Its Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activity

Abstract

In the present investigation, leaves of Crinum solapurense were selected to evaluate their antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. The plant material was shade-dried, powdered, and extracted using 95% ethanol, chloroform, aqueous solvent, and petroleum ether (40 60°C) in a Soxhlet apparatus. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids in the extracts. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. Among all extracts, the ethanolic extract exhibited the highest percentage of inhibition, indicating superior antioxidant activity; hence, it was further evaluated for antidiabetic activity. newline newlineAcute toxicity studies revealed that the extracts were safe up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. Therefore, 1/10th of this dose (200 mg/kg) was selected as the therapeutic dose. The ethanolic extract of Crinum solapurense leaves (200 mg/kg) demonstrated significant antihyperglycemic activity, as evidenced by glucose tolerance test (GTT) and reduction of blood glucose levels in dexamethasone-induced diabetic rats under both single- and multiple-dose treatment protocols. The treated groups also showed prevention of body weight loss commonly associated with diabetes. newline newlineThe hypoglycemic effect was comparable to the standard drug glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg), suggesting possible regeneration or stimulation of pancreatic and#946;-cells. Biochemical analysis revealed significant reduction in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL levels, and an increase in HDL levels. Histopathological examination of the pancreas indicated regeneration of and#946;-cells of the Islets of Langerhans. Further fractionation using column chromatography and characterization through qualitative tests and TLC confirmed the presence of alkaloids. Overall, the study concludes that the ethanolic extract of Crinum solapurense leaves possesses significant antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. newline