Radical scavenger and anti-diabetic potencies of Etlingera elatior fruits growing in South East Sulawesi-Indonesia

Etlingera elatior have many biological properties. Thus, we aim to isolate and to evaluate radical scavenger potency of compounds from Etlingera elatior fruits and antidiabetic potency of the ethanol fruits extract. E. elatior fruits were collected from the Wolasi Forest, South East Sulawesi. The isolation was carried out by using chromatography technique and the compound structures were evaluated by interpreting spectroscopic data (FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR). The radical scavenger activity was evaluated towards DPPH (1,1-diphenyl 2-picryl-hydrazyl) radicals. Antidiabetic activity was carried out in experimental animals, as well as the histopathology of pancreatic organ. Four aromatic compounds have been isolated and identified, quercetin (1) as flavonoid, firstly reported from E.elatior fruits, p-coumaric acid (2), vanilic acid (3), and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (4). Radical scavenger potency of quercetin> vanilic acid>p-hydroxybenzoic acid>p-coumaric acid> the extract. Ethanol extract of Wualae fruits showed activity as antidiabetic and protective effect to beta cell at concentration 200; 300; and 400mg/kgBw, with most effective in decreasing plasma glucose and protecting beta cell was 400 mg/KgBw. E.elatior fruits possess pronounced radical scavenger and anti-diabetic properties which may be due to the presence quercetin in the plant. Therefore, the fruit’s extract can be further developed for the cosmetics and diabetic management.