Bioactive Phyto-constituents and their Ameliorative Property in Diabetes Mellitus: A Detailed Report on Bitter Gourd, Ivy Gourd, and Mulberry

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global disease that affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and geographical locations. It is an endocrine condition that affects multiple organs and is associated with insufficient insulin. Most antidiabetic medications act by reducing blood glucose and improving glycaemic control, either by increasing insulin production or by decreasing insulin resistance. Indigenous plant-based remedies have been used to treat diabetes since early Ayurvedic traditions. Herbal remedies reduce insulin resistance, increase insulin release from islet beta-cells, and/or inhibit insulin-degrading enzymes. The current study used the DPPH assay, α-amylase inhibition, α-glucosidase inhibition assay, and phytochemical tests to examine the anti-diabetic activity of three plants and their selected parts: fruits of Momordica charantia (bitter gourd), fruits of Coccinia grandis (ivy gourd), and leaves of Morus alba (mulberry). The findings suggest that bitter gourd melon showed stronger antidiabetic properties, as evidenced by the four assays: ABTS (IC50 = 73.90 µg/mL), DPPH (IC50 = 68.71 µg/mL), α-glucosidase inhibition assay (IC50 = 65.11 µg/mL), and α-amylase assay (IC50 = 102.3 µg/mL). A range of phytoactive compounds with potential antidiabetic properties were also identified in the study. By scavenging reactive oxidants, inhibiting α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and functioning as an antioxidant, M. charantia acts as a bioactive agent with antidiabetic properties. The preliminary results establish M. charantia as an important plant source with potential for future exploration in diabetes research.