Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Anti-α-glucosidase Activity Evaluations of Bergenia cordifolia

The antioxidant, anti-a-glucosidase and anticholinesterase activity of the leaves and rhizomatous extract of Bergenia cordifolia were investigated. The rhizomes extract that showed a higher degree of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and anti-a-glucosidase activity than reference compounds (rutin and acarbose respectively) were subjected to phytochemical analysis. The study revealed that previously unknown minor constituents from the plant, (+)-catechin 3-O-gallate, (+)-catechin 3,5-di-O-gallate and 1,2,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-beta- d-glucopyranoside, were the radical scavenging and anti-a-glucosidase principles. These compounds as well as the crude extracts were weak acetylcholienesterase inhibitors, suggesting a higher degree of selectivity against a-glucosidase enzyme. In comparison with the minor constituents, the previously known major constituents of the plant, bergenin and arbutin, were poor radical scavengers and enzyme inhibitors. Copyright (c) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.