Introduction

Prunus Cerasoides D. Don, commonly known as Wild Himalay yan Chery is a medium sized deciduous tree that belongs to the family of Rosacea and from the subfamily of Amygdalo idea. No research has been done on it’s leaves in correlation to it’s antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. The objective of this study is to explore the potential of P. Cerasoides antioxidant and antidiabetic agents through DPPH assay a-glucosidase inhibition method. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) is being investigated to find the effective concentration of the sample that is required to scavenge 50% of the DPPH free radicals. It was concluded that Prunus cerasoides is a potential source for antioxidant properties. Along with the potential antioxidant activities, it was also concluded to pertain antidiabetic properties through the alpha-glucosidase inhibition method.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibition

Alpha glucosidase is an enzyme that is responsible for catalyzing starch into glucose. A therapeutic approach to treat diabetes is to inhibit this enzyme, alpha glucosidase to inhibit the production of glucose and regulate blood glucose levels. A carbose is an example of alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that is used as an antidiabetic drug to treat patients specifically with diabetes mellitus 2. Alpha glucosidase inhibitors prevent the absorption of carbohydrates and converting these carbohydrates into simpler monosaccharides such as maltase and sucrose. A carbose being one of the most common anti-diabetic drug is used in this experiment as a standard to compare the findings of prunus cerasoides antidiabetic properties to.

Antioxidant and Antidiabetic

A free radical is defined as any molecular species capable of independent existence that contains an unpaired electron in an atomic orbital. These highly reactive species are capable of damaging biologically relevant molecules such as DNA, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Oxidative stress ensues if free radicals overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate them. Oxidative stress is a major contributor to the pathophysiology of a variety of health conditions including cardiovascular dysfunctions, atherosclerosis, inflammation, carcinogenesis and neurogenerative diseases. A balance between free radicals and antioxidants is necessary for proper physiological function. Antioxidants are chemicals that interact with and neutralize free radicals, preventing these radicals from causing damage to the body and oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress plays a major part in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Diabetes is an exceedingly prevalent health disorder that is characterized by hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance caused by defective insulin function and secretion. Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are linked to the generation of an oxidative stress. Studies have also shown that antioxidants are able to improve insulin action. Flavonoids (antioxidant) showing potent antioxidant activity have been suggested to be beneficial in the management of diabetes. This is because antioxidants have the ability to protect against the deleterious effects of hyperglycemia and also improve glucose metabolism. Antioxidant activity can also help in the treatment of diabetes by inhibiting the deterioration of pancreatic β-cells caused by oxidative stress. Defective insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells can diabetes mellitus type. Antioxidants that serve as a ‘free radical scavenger’ can effectively prevent and/or manage diabetes mellitus (Sarian).

Conclusion

The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) is being investigated to find the effective concentration of the sample that is required to scavenge 50% of the DPPH free radicals. It was concluded that Prunus cerasoides is a potential source for antioxidant properties. The IC50 of prunus cerasoides of antioxidant activity through DPPH scavenging method is calculated to be at ( 50 + 5,0236)/ (0,4757) = 94.5478 . It was also concluded that Prunus Cerasoides is a potential source for antidiabetic activity with an IC50 of (50+20,31)/0,0967) = 727, 09411 through the alpha glucosidase inhibition method.