Phytochemical quantification, in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials of methanol and dichloromethane extracts of Triclisia subcordata (Oliv) leaves

Triclisia subcordata (Oliv) is a useful medicinal plant for the treatments of several diseases in South West, Nigeria. The methanol and dichloromethane extracts from the plant were investigated for the presence of phytochemicals, antioxidants, inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. The determination of the antioxidant potential of the plant extracts was achieved through evaluation of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, nitric oxide scavenging activity (NOS), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and total phenolic content (TPC). The qualitative analysis results of the study indicated the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, phenolics, tannin and saponin in Triclisia subcordata (Oliv) methanol extract (TRME), while only steroids, phenolics and flavonoids were detected in the Triclisia subcordata (Oliv) dichloromethane extract (TRDE). Methanol was seen to possess higher extraction capacity than dichloromethane. The quantitative determination of the extract showed that phenolics (593.7 ± 1.34) mg/100 g and flavonoids (192.6 ± 2.10) mg/100 g were more extractable in TRDE than TRME. The results showed that the plant extracts can be used to scavenge free radicals and hence, possess great antioxidant properties. It was also observed that the plant extracts possess a mild in-vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibiting activities. Thus, Triclisia subcordata (Oliv) may be used in the treatment and management of diabetes.