Antiglycation, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Traditional Medicinal Plant: Rubia Cordifolia Linn. for Management of Hyperglycemia

Rubia cordifolia Linn. a flowering plant species from family Rubiaceae is an important medicinal plant. It is known to have anti-diabetic, antiseptic and antistress properties. In the present paper, antiglycation, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of roots of Rubia cordifolia Linn. were investigated. Anti-AGE (Advance glycation end products) effect of Rubia cordifolia Linn. on glycation of guanosine with glucose and fructose was analyzed. The inhibitory effect of plant extract on glycation and fructation of guanosine in presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by hydrogen peroxide, was also analyzed. In vitro antioxidant (DPPH, Superoxide anion scavenging activity and Xanthine oxidase) and antidiabetic assays (Alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase) were performed to determine these activities of plant extract. The UV absorbance of the glycation reactions was found to be maximum at 24 hrs. and with consecutive decreased at 48 and 72 hours. Plant extract of Rubia cordifolia Linn. inhibits glycated and fructated guanosine and ROS-modification of glycated and fructated guanosine. From the results, it is concluded that root extract of Rubia cordifolia has significant antiglycation, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. The study suggests that Rubia cordifolia Linn. is a natural antioxidant, which might be helpful in management of diseases like diabetes.