Evaluation of anti-diabetic effect of ethanolic leaf extracts Ceriops decandra using various in vitro models

Abstract

Siddha, one of the most ancient medical systems in India, is believed to have been the main form of treatment employed by the early Tamils and Dravidians in South India. Not only is it the oldest system, but it also boasts numerous specialties that surpass those found in Ayurvedic practices. Ceriops decandra (Griff.) Ding Hou is traditionally utilized for the treatment of various health issues such as diabetes, bleeding, pain, diarrhea, angina, and dysentery. Additionally, Ceriops tagal Linn is employed in folk medicine to address conditions like hemorrhage, acariasis, wound infections, malaria, severe diabetes, and ulcers. It contains a wealth of phytochemicals, including proteins, coumarins, phenolic compounds (such as catechin and procyanidins), triterpenoids (like lupeol, α-amyrin, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid), flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, alkaloids, diterpenoids (specifically ceriopsin A-G), and tannins. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of the alcoholic extract of Ceriops decandra leaves in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the leaves was conducted using different water and alcohol solvents. The resulting extracts underwent various qualitative chemical analyses, revealing the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids.