Abstract:
Pomegranate peel (PP) was sequentially extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, methanol/water and water (C1–C5, respectively) and the extracts were assessed for its antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. Extracts, C2 and C3, which exhibited maximum free radical scavenging and a-glucosidase inhibitory activity,
were further fractionated using hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol (C2–F1, F2, F3; C3–F4, F5, F6). Fractions, F1 and F5, of methanol extract showed highest 2,2- diphenyl picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity (IC50 – 3.69 and 4.39 mg/mL, respectively); F5 exhibited significantly high 2,20-azinobis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline 6-sulfonic
acid, superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (IC50 – 3.6, 20.89 and 10.7 mg/mL) and a glucosidase inhibition (IC50 – 0.0453 mg/mL). F5 demonstrated promising inhibition against LDL oxidation (IC50 – 16.2 mg/mL) and ACE inhibition properties (IC50 – 0.77 mg/mL). These findings suggest the ability of PP extracts to manage type 2 diabetes and associated complications.
