PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY OF DIANTHUS CHINENSIS EXTRACT ON EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL

The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and anti-diabetic activity of Dianthus chinensis flower extract. Petroleum ether and methanol were used for extraction, with the methanolic extract showing higher yield and richer phytochemical content. Quantitative analysis revealed notable levels of total phenolic content (78.9 mg/g gallic acid equivalent) and total flavonoid content (71.8 mg/g rutin equivalent), suggesting strong antioxidant capacity. This was supported by the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, where the methanol extract exhibited an IC₅₀ value of 48.46 µg/mL, indicating potent antioxidant activity. The anti-diabetic effect was assessed in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Oral administration of the methanolic extract at 400 mg/kg significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, improved body weight, and normalized lipid parameters compared to diabetic control rats. Histopathological findings showed restoration of pancreatic architecture, confirming its protective effect. In summary, Dianthus chinensis extract demonstrated notable phenolic and flavonoid content, strong antioxidant capacity, and significant glucose-lowering activity in diabetic rats. These results indicate its potential as a natural source of bioactive compounds for managing oxidative stress and diabetes mellitus.