PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND IN-VITRO HYPOGLYCEMIC POTENTIAL OF NILGIRIANTHUS CILIATUS NEES

Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the phytochemical analysis and inhibitory activity of Nilgirianthus ciliatus Nees against the carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes. Methods: The Nilgirianthus ciliatus plant powder was extracted with ethanol by cold maceration technique. Primary and secondary metabolites present in the plant extract were identified by means of phytochemical screening or specific tests and important metabolites were quantified by means of standard procedures. The in-vitro hypoglycemic activity was subsequently assessed by enzyme inhibition assay methods. Results: The phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavanoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, steroids, glycosides and triterpenoids. Quantification results showed Nilgirianthus ciliatus has more tannin content. The in-vitro study results revealed that ethanolic extracts inhibited both α-amylase and α-glucosidase in a dose dependent manner. The extract showed higher α-glucosidase inhibitory effect     (IC₅₀=21.90 µg/ml) than α-amylase inhibitory effect (IC50=462.49µg/ml). Conclusion: The present study provides a biochemical rationale by which Nilgirianthus ciliatus Nees elicited therapeutic effect on Type 2 diabetes.