Phytochemical screening and anti-hyperglycemic effects of Crotalaria verrucosa leaves

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus in Bangladesh has become a major issue. There are many medications available to treat this disease. However, most of them have side effects and the need for new treatments is required. Crotalaria verrucosa is a plant which is native to Bangladesh and it is found in Bandorban, Sundarbans, Khagrachori. Its medicinal properties have been known for a long time and used as a traditional medicine in many parts of the country. This study included phytochemical analysis to identify potential anti-hyperglycemic chemicals, in-vivo and in-vitro experiments to determine anti-hyperglycemic ability of the extract. Phytochemical screening of the plant leaves showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids etc. Furthermore, this study showed that the ethanolic extract of the plant does not inhibit disaccharidase enzymes in the small intestine and does not change gastrointestinal motility in Long Evan rats. However, in-vitro study showed that the extract has a potential glucose adsorption capacity.