Promising inhibition of diabetes-related enzymes and antioxidant properties of Ptilostemon casabonae leaves extract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a progressive metabolic disorder of glucose metabolism. One of the therapeutic approaches for the treatment of T2D is reducing postprandial hyperglycaemia through inhibition of the digestive enzymes alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase. In this context, aimed at identifying natural products endowed with anti-T2D potential, we focused on Ptilostemon casabonae (L.) Greuter, a species belonging to Asteraceae family. Enzymatic inhibition, antioxidant activity, phenolic composition and cellular assays were performed. This study revealed that the P. casabonae hydroalcoholic extract exerts a potent inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase. This activity is supported by an antioxidant effect, preventing ROS formation in a stressed cellular system. HPLC-PDA-MS/MS analysis, revealed a complex polyphenolic fraction. Among the tested pure compounds, 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, apigenin and rutin displayed good alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Our study suggested new potential of P. casabonae encouraging us to further testing the possible therapeutic potential of this extract.

Automated summary

This study revealed the potential of Ptilostemon casabonae extract as a treatment for T2D, as it showed strong inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase and antioxidant effects. The complex polyphenolic fraction in the extract and the compounds 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, apigenin, and rutin were identified as having good alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Further research on the therapeutic potential of this extract is encouraged.