Abstract:
Piper longum L. (Family: Piperaceae), is a widely
used herb in several Ayurvedic formulations prescribed for
various diseases. Potential of the plant material as an antidiabetic
and cardio protective agent has not been evaluated so far.
In the study, we designed experiments to evaluate antioxidant,
glucose uptake potential and lipid content regulating potential
of extracts and compound from P. longum fruits. Solvent
extracts from Piper longum fruits using hexane, ethyl acetate,
methanol, 70 % methanol-water were taken and
apigenin 7, 4'-dimethyl ether (ADE) was isolated from ethyl
acetate extract. Antioxidant activity, glucose uptake potential
and adipocyte differentiation assay was performed with extract
and pure compound. Antioxidant activity in terms of TRP
(196.03 μg/mg GAE), DPPH assay (IC50–173.09 μg/mL),
hydroxyl radical scavenging assay (IC50–20.42 μg/mL),
inhibiting LDL oxidation (IC50–51.99 μg/mL) and to enhance
SOD activity (25.3 %) was higher in ethyl acetate extract
(EAP). Phenolic and flavonoid content was measured and
showed a positive correlation with antioxidant activity.
Presence of apigenin 7, 4'-dimethyl ether (ADE) and piperine
(Pip) in EAP was determined by HPTLC analysis and was
isolated. ADE inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes
and enhanced 2-NBDG uptake in L6 cells. Hypolipidemic
effect of ADE on mouse pre-adipocyte (3T3L1) cell lines also
showed a dose dependent reduction on lipid droplet content
and effective concentration range was determined as 1–2.5 μg/
mL. The results suggested that Piper longum fruits can provide
a natural source of antioxidants with antidiabetic and anti
obesity potential
