ABSTRACT
Two new cucurbitane-type triterpenoids (2,3), together with two known compounds (1,4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Kedrostis gijef. The structure of all compounds was elucidated based on NMR, HRESIMS analyses, and by comparison with the literature. Additionally, the cytotoxic activity against HeLa, Caco-2, and SH-SY5Y cell lines was determined using MTT colorimetric assay.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Gymnocarpos decandrus (Caryophyllaceae) is a well-known wild plant used as a food for grazing animals. Recently it showed potent antidiabetic potential beside its established anti-inflammatory, analgesic and diuretic activities. G. decandrus antidiabetic potential was reported through in-vitro models and resulted in promising α-amylase, α-glucosidase and antiviral Coxsackie B4 inhibitory activities; however no in-vivo studies were conducted. PURPOSE: This study aims to examine Gymnocarpos decandrus ethanol extract (GDEE) safety and to evaluate its in vivo antidiabetic potential. METHOD: Adult albino rats were injected intraperitoneally with alloxan to induce diabetes mellitus and the glucose level was measured after two and four weeks against metformin as a standard drug. Additionally, GDEE characterization and standardization were carried out. RESULTS: GDEE LD50 was up to 5.8 mg/kg and exhibited significant antidiabetic activity 77.17% comparable to the standard drug metformin. Its total phenolics, and flavonoids amounted 127.2 ± 0.23 and 85.5 ± 0.21 mg/g respectively. Vitexin was used as a marker compound for GDEE (140.70 mg/100 gm). CONCLUSION: This study represents the sole in vivo scientific validation of G. decandrus recently documented in vitro antidiabetic potential.
ABSTRACT
Gymnocarpos decandrus Forssk. is a well-known grazing wild plant. This study targets scientific validation of its claimed antidiabetic activity and exploring its bioactive metabolites. Chromatographic purification of G. decandrus ethanol extract (GDEE) allowed isolation of vitexin (C1), protocatechuic acid (C2) and quercetin (C3). HPLC-PDA-MS/MS enabled identification of nineteen metabolites; 13 flavonoids, 5 saponins, and 1 phenolic acid in G. decandrus and four in the genus Gymnocarpos for the first time. The antidiabetic potential was evaluated via testing the Coxsackie B4 virus and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials. C3 exhibited its potent antiviral activity through blocking of the virus attachment (96.28%, SI 4.41) and virus inactivation before adsorption (91.47%, SI 4.78). GDEE and C1-C3 showed dose dependent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 of 733.9, 293.3, 118.1 and 69.1 µg/mL, respectively. Our study represents the sole complete map for G. decandrus secondary metabolites and presents it as promising drug for diabetes management.
