Evaluation of Enzymatic In-vitro anti diabetic activity of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze

Background: About 830 million people worldwide have diabetes, the majority living in low and middle- income countries. The diabetic population has to consume antidiabetic medicines for a long duration due to its chronic nature. Herbal formulations are preferred due to lesser side effects and low cost. Ancient Ayurvedic texts has mentioned Palash, Butea monosperma, (Lam.) Kuntze which belongs to Fabaceae Family, in Diabetes Mellitus. The management of diabetes can be achieved by reducing post- prandial hyperglycemia by delaying the activities of the enzymes α-amylase and α- glucosidase which are responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates and absorption of glucose in the digestive tract, respectively. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory potential of water-soluble extracts of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze (Palash Ghana) on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, which play a crucial role in carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption. Material and Methods: Palash Ghana was prepared by decoction and solidification methods, extracting water- soluble components of the whole plant. α-Amylase inhibitory activity was assessed using the Dinitrosalicylic Acid method with concentrations ranging from 50 to 250 µg/mL. α- Glucosidase inhibition was evaluated using the p-NPG method at concentrations between 100 and 500 µg/mL, with Acarbose as a positive control. Result and Conclusion: Palash Ghana exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on α-amylase, with a maximum inhibition of 83.12% at 250 µg/mL. In contrast, α-glucosidase inhibition was moderate, reaching 22.16% at 500 µg/mL. The findings suggest that Palash Ghana may serve as a potential natural antidiabetic agent.