Anti-oxidative, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-obesity properties of selected edible leafy plants of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Five selected edible leafy plants of Sri Lanka were studied in vitro to assess their anti-oxidative, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-obesity properties. Powdered samples of the leafy plants, namely Le-kola pala (LE), Kora kaha (KK), Koppa (KO), Stevia (ST) and Yaki naran (YK) were extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) sequentially. The extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content, antioxidant potential and in vitro alpha amylase, alpha-glucosidase and lipase inhibitory activities using relevant assays. The highest alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity was displayed by YK followed by KO. The highest alpha-amylase inhibitory activity was displayed by LE followed by YK. Among all plant extracts, only LE showed a moderate lipase inhibitory activity. These extracts displayed good antioxidant potential, which correlated well with the enzyme inhibitory activities. This study concluded that the extracts of selected edible leafy plants are a potent source of bioactive compounds that claim various pharmacological properties and can be used as safer alternative remedy for managing diabetes.

Keywords

• Anti-oxidant activity
• Anti-hyperglycemic activity
• Anti-obesity activity
• Edible leafy plants