Determination of In vitro antidiabetic potential of Aqueous and Ethanol extracts and isolated fraction of Zanthoxylum armatum DC stem bark

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting 25% of the world population. It occurs due to deficiency or insensitivity of insulin leading to increased blood glucose level and its consequent complications. Inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes such as α - amylase, α - glucosidase and α- sucrase can be one of the important strategies to lower blood glucose levels. But these inhibitors that are used in clinical practice for management of diabetes are known to be associated with various gastrointestional side effects. Therefore, it is the need of time to identify and explore the drugs from natural sources without side effects. Aim: In the present study, a commonly available species of Rutaceae - Zanthoxylum armatum DC was selected and explored for its anti-diabetic potentials employing in-vitro methods. Methods: Inhibitory potential of aqueous extract, ethanol extract and isolated fraction of bark of Z. armatum on α - amylase, α - glucosidase and α- sucrase enzyme was determined. Result: Aqueous bark extract exhibited potential inhibitory effect against glucose hydrolysing enzymes in a concentration dependent manner compared to ethanol extract and isolated fraction. The isolated fraction showed significantly higher glucose binding capacity and strong hindrance to diffusion of glucose across a dialysis membrane. Conclusion: The results indicated that aqueous bark extract and isolated fraction of Z.armatum possess good glucose absorption inhibitory activity.