Abstract

SEASONAL EFFECT ON IN VITRO ALPHA GLUCOSIDASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF ABUTILON INDICUM LEAVES

Tanaya Ghosh and Prasanta Kumar Mitra*

ABSTRACT

Abutilon indicum Linn. ( A. indicum L.) is a medicinal plant being used in traditional medicine since long. Recently we have confirmed in vitro alpha glucosidase inhibitory activity of A. indicum L. leaves. As pharmacological activities of medicinal plants vary with season, aim of the present work was to see the seasonal effect on in vitro alpha glucosidase inhibitory activity of A. indicum L. leaves, if any. Leaves of A. indicum L. were collected in winter, summer, autumn and rainy seasons from medicinal plant garden of the North Bengal University and authenticated by the taxonomist. Leaves were extracted with ethanol and the extract was checked for in vitro alpha glucosidase inhibitory activity by the standard method. Acarbose, a standard alpha glucosidase inhibitor, was used as control. Results showed that A. indicum L. leaves of rainy season (June – August) had maximum alpha glucosidase inhibitory activity. Result was comparable to that of acarbose. Leaves of A. indicum L. of rainy season may therefore be utilized to keep post prandial blood sugar of the diabetic patient under control and thereby used in the treatment of diabetes.

Keywords: Abutilon indicum Linn. Leaves, alpha glucosidase inhibitory activity, seasonal variation, acarbose, diabetes.