Biomedicine

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which has emerged as a global public
health threat in the present century. The present oral hypoglycemic agents produce undesirable side effects
and oxidative stress. Thus, there is a need for a safe, cost-effective and complementary therapy for Diabetes
mellitus. To evaluate the free radical scavenging activity and Alpha amylase inhibitory activity of Croton
tiglium extract.
Materials and Methods: Different concentrations of the plant extract (1.5, 3, 7, 15.30, 60, 125, 250, 500
and 1000 μg/ml) were prepared in ethanol and subjected to α amylase inhibitory and free radical scavenging
activity DPPH assay. The absorbance was read at 540nm and 546nm respectively using a spectrophotometer.
The ability of ethanolic extract of Croton tiglium to scavenge free radical by DPPH assay was determined
according to the method of Chang et al (2001). Alpha-amylase inhibitory activity was evaluated according to
the method of Bernfield (1955).
Results: % Inhibition of DPPH by Croton tiglium extract at 20, 40, 60, 80, 100μg/ml was 14.24±0.70,
29.37±0.13, 45.52±0.97, 65.97±0.36, 84.29±0.27 respectively. % inhibition of Alpha amylase by extract
of Croton tiglium at 20, 40, 60, 80, 100μg/ml are 23.52±0.28, 32.54±0.12, 42.82±0.46, 55.09±0.09 and
74.15±0.86 respectively.
Conclusion: Based on the results we conclude that Croton tiglium as strong in vitro antioxidant and alpha
amylase inhibitory activity. Thus, Croton tiglium is a potential antidiabetic agent.