Bioactivities and GC-MS profiling of Malewana Madhumeha Choorna polyherbal hot infusion

Although traditional practitioners prescribe Malewana Madhumeha Choorna hot infusion (MMCHI) in Sri Lanka to combat diabetes, its antidiabetic properties have yet to be explored. We examined the in vitro hypoglycemic activity of MMCHI using α-amylase, α-glucosidase enzymes, and glucose uptake assays. Further, in vitro antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH (2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhdrazyl) and H 2 O 2 free radical scavenging activities. To identify the phytochemicals present in the hot infusion, we conducted solvent-solvent fractionation (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol) procedures and subjected them to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Both MMCHI and fractions exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of glucose uptake and the enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The hot infusion exhibited enzyme inhibitory activities more or less similar to the standard drug acarbose. Enzyme inhibition was especially pronounced with α-amylase. Glucose uptake by MMCHI was more potent than that of the standard drug, especially at the 125 µg/mL dose. Strong antioxidant scavenging activity, comparable to that of the standard drug, was observed in the MMCHI, further indicating its antidiabetic potential. The presence of organic compounds and essential oils in the extract was responsible for potent antidiabetic activities via inhibition of α-amylase enzyme. Also, MMICH exhibited strong free radical scavenging abilities. The current study justifies the use of MMCHI to manage diabetes.