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E. Vijay Kumar*, Chappidi Pranaya Veena1, Chilakala Sreelakshmi2, Dhanikela Sneha3, Gownivaripalli Shafiya4, Kattubadi Hameeda5
*Associate Professor, Srinivasa Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Proddatur, A.P, India
1,2,3,4,5Srinivasa Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Proddatur, A.P, India
A B S T R A C T
Diabetes mellitus, characterized by impaired carbohydrate utilization due to insulin deficiency, is a prevalent metabolic disorder worldwide. Existing modern pharmacotherapy’s often fall short in addressing all pathological aspects of the disorder, particularly in rural populations of developing countries due to cost and accessibility issues. Consequently, alternative strategies are sought after. Benincasa hispida (Thunb) Cogn., a plant utilized in folk medicine, is recognized for its purportedly safe profile and historical efficacy. In this study, the pharmacological and phytochemical properties of Benincasa hispida were investigated. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids and phenolics, compounds known for their antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. In vitro assessments demonstrated the antidiabetic potential of Benincasa hispida fruit and seed extracts through inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, albeit to a lesser extent than the standard drug acarbose. Additionally, both extracts exhibited significant antioxidant activities as evidenced by various assays. Notably, the seed extract displayed superior antidiabetic and antioxidant properties compared to the fruit extract. These findings underscore the potential of Benincasa hispida as a therapeutic agent for diabetes management and oxidative stress mitigation. Further research employing in vivo models is warranted to elucidate its mechanisms of action and therapeutic efficacy. This study contributes to the growing interest in alternative medicine and natural products, emphasizing the need for comprehensive exploration of plant-derived remedies for complex metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus.
Keywords: Benincasa hispida, diabetes mellitus, antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase.
