Phytochemical Screening, Anti-oxidant Activity and in Vitro Anti-diabetic Activity of Aqueous, Methanolic, Ethanolic and Chloroformic Extracts of Hygrophilaauriculata

Objective: The objective of this study was to screen the phytochemical constituents of the seeds of the medicinal plant Hygrophilaauriculata and to obtain preliminary in vitro data about its anti-diabetic effects. Methods: First extracts in four solvents i.e. water, methanol, ethanol and chloroform were prepared by optimized maceration procedures. Determination of the phytochemical constituents of these extracts was then carried out by employing standard procedures. Anti – oxidant activity was determined using the DPPH method. In order to determine the in vitro anti-diabetic activity, amylase inhibition studies and glucose diffusion inhibition studies were carried out. Results: With the exception of the ethanolic extract, all the other extracts were found to be rich in phytochemicals. The methanolic extract contained the maximum number of phytochemicals. The antioxidant activity, alpha amylase inhibition and glucose diffusion inhibition were all found to be highest for the methanolic extract. Conclusion: The present study proves that the methanolic extract of H. auriculata is a potent anti – oxidant and anti-diabetic. It can prove to be a valuable source of drugs targeting these diseases.