PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION AND EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITIES OF SEEDS OF SARACA ASOCA ROXB. DE WILDE

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic and major endocrine disorder caused by an inherited and/or acquired deficiency in the production of insulin by the pancreas, or by the ineffectiveness of the insulin produced. It is a growing health problem in most countries, and its incidence is considered to be high (4%-5%) all over the world. In the present scenario, the demand for herbal products is growing exponentially throughout the world, and major pharmaceutical companies are currently conducting extensive research on plant materials for their potential medicinal value. This study focuses on the in-vitro investigation of the antioxidant and in-vivo antidiabetic activity of the Methanol and aqueous extracts of Saraca asoca (Roxb.). De Wild seeds in healthy adult Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 g and Swiss albino male mice (25-35 g). Swiss albino mice were made diabetic by a single dose of streptozotocin (150 mg/kg i.p.). Blood glucose levels and body weights of mice were measured using weekly intervals, i.e, day 0, 7, 14, and 21 after daily administration of all extracts at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Other biochemical parameters such as serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, urea, creatinine, and protein levels were also measured at the end of the study. Phytochemical analysis identified the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, steroids, and flavonoids in both extracts. The antioxidant activity of all the extracts was measured using DPPH and H₂O₂ assays. Additionally, glucose production was assessed through the inhibition of the α-amylase enzyme. S. asoca possesses antioxidant and antidiabetic properties as well as improves body weight, liver profile, renal profile, and total lipid levels.