Comparative analysis of in vitro antioxidant activity of two selected plants with a reference to antidiabetic profile

Abstract

The antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of aerial parts of Aerva sanguinolenta (L) Blume and leaves of Mikania scandens (L.) Willd were investigated by three in vitro and one in vivo assays i.e., by estimating degree of non-enzymatic haemoglobin glycosylation measured colorimetrically at 520 nm; by assaying DPPH free radical scavenging activity; by reduction of phosphomolybdenum complex and by estimating blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. From the analysis, it was found that the ethyl acetate and chloroform extract of both aerial parts of A. sanguinolenta and leaves of Mikania scandens had higher antioxidant potential than that of other extracts of the plant(s). Among the examined plants, it was also observed that M. scandens L. extracts had better antioxidant and antihyperglycemic action than that of A. sanguinolenta. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was close, identical in magnitude, concentration dependent and comparable to that of standard antioxidant compounds used. Flavonoids and tannins present in the selected extracts may be responsible for such antioxidant and antidiabetic activities.