Quantitative Profiling of Chromium, Zinc and Manganese in Anti-diabetic Plants: A Novel Approach to Diabetic Treatment

Background: The goal is to assess the levels of manganese, zinc, and chromium in ten antidiabetic plants and assess their potential in improving glucose metabolism via interactions with bioactive compounds. Methods: Plant specimens were collected from the Sathuragiri hill area and the Kalasalingam University campus, followed by drying, grinding, and ashing. The elemental analysis was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) to quantify the concentrations of manganese, zinc, and chromium in the plant materials. Calibration standards were utilized to ensure precision in the measurements. The study analyzed trace element levels across different plant species. Results: The analysis of trace element concentrations revealed that Hygrophila auriculata, Withania somnifera, Phyllanthus amarus, Careya arborea, and Andrographis paniculata exhibited the highest levels of manganese, with respective concentrations of 0.3430, 0.2836, 0.2817, 0.2746, and 0.2401 ppm. Additionally, the plant species Syzygium cumini, Withania somnifera, Phyllanthus amarus, Aerva lanata, and Andrographis paniculata, were detected as the most elevated levels of zinc, with concentrations measuring 0.2073, 0.2045, 0.1996, 0.1947, and 0.1849 ppm, respectively. In terms of chromium, Caesalpinia bonducella, Andrographis paniculata, Gymnema sylvestre, Aerva lanata, and Careya arborea demonstrated the greatest levels of this element with concentrations of 0.1072, 0.0924, 0.0875, 0.0825, and 0.0677 ppm, respectively. Results were statistically significant with p < 0.05 and triplicate measurements were conducted. Conclusions: The elevated concentrations of manganese, zinc, and chromium found in Withania somnifera, Andrographis paniculata, Phyllanthus amarus, Aerva lanata, and Careya arborea indicate their increased potential for diabetes management. These trace metals, when combined with the plants' phytoconstituents, may work together to improve glycemic control. Additional research is necessary to clarify the molecular mechanisms behind these effects and to investigate the possibility of developing natural plant-based treatments for diabetes management.