Phytochemical characterization and antidiabetic potential of standardized total methanolic extract and phytosomes of Momordica dioica roxb. ex Willd. fruit

Abstract

Objective: Momordica dioica climbing creeper plant fruits and leaves are traditionally used as a medicinal agent in asthma, leprosy, bronchitis, fever, aphrodisiac, stomachic, and constipation. This study aims in standardization of the fruit of M. dioica Roxb. ex Willd. by determining the pharmacognostical parameters, toxic residue analysis and antidiabetic effect of MeOH extract and phytosomes. Methods: Pharmacognostical parameters, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, toxic residue analysis were studied as per World Health Organization guidelines. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) system was used for fingerprinting of methanolic extract of M. dioica fruits. Antidiabetic activity of standardized total effect of a MeOH extract and phytosomes was studied using streptozotocin-nicotinamide model in rats. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance followed by Dunnett’s test and by Tukey’s test. Results: The macroscopic and powdered microscopy revealed useful diagnostic features of M. dioica. Physicochemical parameters and phytochemical analysis are proved as useful tools to differentiate the powdered drug material. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the methanolic extract were found to be 208 ± 0.1 mg/g and 0.0245 ± 1.01 μg/g, respectively. HPTLC analysis showed the presence of phytoconstituent gallic acid. The levels of all heavy metals were found to be within limits. Aflatoxins and pesticides residues were found to be absent in fruit. The antidiabetic activity of total effect of a MeOH extract in high dose and phytosomes formulation in low dose was found to be significant. Conclusions: The outcome of this study might prove beneficial in formulation development in novel drug delivery system and herbal industries for identification, characterization, and standardization of M. dioica fruits.