Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or both. Inhibition of carbohydrate digesting enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase represents an effective strategy to control postprandial hyperglycemia. Medicinal plants offer a promising source of safer antidiabetic agents due to their diverse phytochemical composition and minimal adverse effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and in-vitro antidiabetic potential of aqueous root extract of Clitoria ternatea. Roots were shade-dried, powdered, and extracted through aqueous maceration. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using standard qualitative tests. Antidiabetic activity was assessed using α-amylase and α glucosidase inhibition assays at concentrations ranging from 10–100 µg/mL with acarbose as a standard drug. Phytochemical analysis revealed flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, saponins, glycosides, terpenes, and steroids. The extract demonstrated concentration-dependent enzyme inhibition with maximum inhibition of 96.8% (α-amylase) and 94.3% (α-glucosidase) at 100 µg/mL. FTIR analysis confirmed functional groups associated with polyphenols and alkaloids. These findings suggest that C. ternatea root extract possesses significant antidiabetic potential mediated by enzyme inhibition and supports its traditional use in diabetes management.
Sireesha et al. (Sat,) studied this question.