Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness that is characterized by the body's incapacity to control blood glucose levels. Studies on anti-diabetic medications have been prompted by the rapid rise in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus in society. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the in-vitro antioxidants and anti-diabetic potential of ethanol and n-hexane extract of Ficusexasperata. Materials and Methods The F. exasperata extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening, antioxidant assay using standard methods. The antidiabetic activity of the extracts was assessed using an invitro model (α- amylase and α-glucosidase). Results and discussion The qualitative identification of phytochemicals in the ethanol and N-hexane extract of F. exasperata revealed the presence of Tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponin and so on. Ascorbic acid, a standard medication, and extracts from F. exasperata demonstrated radical inhibition. N-hexane extracts exhibited the highest level of action in the DPPH radical scavenging experiment, with an IC50 value of 184.06 µg∕ml. The standard, ascorbic acid, had the lowest activity, with an IC50 value of 72.65 µg∕ml. The enzymes α -amylase and α -glucosidase activities were used to measure the antidiabetic activity. When compared to ethanol and n-hexane plant extracts, the standard (acarbose) showed maximal activity of α -amylase and α -glucosidase, with IC50 values of 0.30 µg∕mlfor α -amylase inhibition and 0.34 µg∕mlfor α -glucosidase inhibition. Conclusion Thus, it may be said that F. exasperata partially exhibits its antidiabetic potential by inhibiting alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. These plants have tannins and flavonoids that lower oxidative stress, scavenge free radicals, and may be used as an alternative treatment for a number of human diseases. The results validated the potential of F. exasperataextracts in the management of diabetes mellitus. Keywords: Fiscusexasperata, Phytochemicals, Antioxidants, Anti-diabetics, Ascorbic acid, Acarbose
Olasunkanmi Adedoyin Adetutu, Ajibode Bamidele Aina