World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

EXTRACTION OF FLAVONOIDS FROM JATROPHA CURCAS L. ROOTS AND EVALUATION OF HYPOGLYCEMIC ACTIVITY

Edou Andela Clarence*, Dakam William, Ngo Nyobe Caroline, Manaoda Antoine, Ngah Ludvine, Alimi Mourad, Yid I. Yid, Tanga Tanga Regis, Nnanga Nnanga Emmanuel and Etame Loe Gisèle

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a deciduous shrub containing polyphenols with a variety of biological properties used in traditional medicine. The present study focused on the extraction of flavonoids from the plant's roots and the evaluation of their hypoglycemic activity in Wistar rats. Material and methods: The flavonoids were obtained following the liquid-liquid extraction method by confronting solvents with increasing polarity. The phenolic compounds were quantified by spectrophotometric assay using gallic acid, quercetin and rutin as reference substances. The evaluation of the hypoglycemic activity was carried out by 02 methods: firstly, in vivo on rats (male and female) whose diabetes was induced using Alloxan, and secondly, in vitro by observing their effect against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. Results: Extraction yields were 8.51% for total dry extract, 2.55% for diethyl ether extract, 2.83% for ethyl acetate extract and 4.05% for n-butanol extract. Spectrophotometric assaying revealed high levels of total phenols (10.3375 mg Eq AG/g dry matter), total flavonoids (9.441 mg Eq Q/g dry matter), flavanols (3.025 mg Eq R / g dry matter), flavones and flavonols (2.853 mg Eq Q / g dry matter). In vivo, at a dose of 100mg/kg, the n-butanol extract had a more pronounced hypoglycemic effect on diabetic rats than glibenclamide on days 4 and 7 of treatment, with a cytoprotective effect on the pancreas and liver. In vitro, only the diethyl ether extract had a remarkable inhibitory effect on alpha-amylase activity compared with alpha-glucosidase. Conclusion: Our results show that flavonoid extracts are effective and safe in the oral treatment of diabetes in Wistar rats, justifying the use of Jatropha curcas L. in traditional medicine.

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