Comparative Study of In-Vitro Antioxidant Potential of Crude Extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum [(Lam) Oken] Leaves in Different Solvents and the In- Vitro Hypoglycemic Potential of its Hydroalcoholic Extract

The therapeutic potential of leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum was screened for in vitro antioxidant potential and alpha amylase inhibitory action. Antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity by Fenton reaction, free radical scavenging by hydrogen peroxide scavenging and superoxide scavenging potential. The in vitro alpha amylase inhibition action of the plant was evaluated for hypoglycemic properties using starch as substrate. The phytochemical screening of the crude hydro-methanolic, aqueous and hexane extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, phenols, steroids and carbohydrates. The results indicated that 50%-methanol extract showed significant antioxidant potency at concentration of 250-500μg as compared to other solvent extracts and also possess alpha amylase inhibitory property. Hence it can be suggested that the leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum has potential as an antioxidant and probably in biological systems as a nutraceutical for hypoglycemia.