Evaluation of Phytochemical Constituents, in-Vitro Antioxidant and a-Amylase Inhibitory Activity of Euphorbia Heterophylla Aqueous and Ethanolic Leaf Extracts

Student: Isioma Sarah Ikemefuna (Project, 2025)
Department of Science Laboratory Technology
Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State

Abstract

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that is characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia followed by severe complications when untreated. This study was aimed at evaluating the phytochemical constituents, in-vitro antioxidant and a-amylase inhibitory activities of Euphorbia heterophylla aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts. Aqueous and ethanolic extraction of coarsely ground air-dried leaves of Euphorbia heterophylla was done by cold maceration, followed by phytochemical analyses, and determination of the in-vitro free radical scavenging activities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and a-amylase inhibitory effect of the extract samples. The results showed that the leaves contain important bioactive compounds including phenol, tannins and alkaloids though alkaloid was significantly higher in the ethanolic extract than the aqueous extract (p0.05), they possess similar moderate antioxidant potential (in overall) relative to the standard compound (ascorbic acid) in a pattern that suggests ethanol as an extraction solvent of choice in this regard. The knowledge of extraction methods, phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and a-amylase inhibitory capacities will be of help in the application of this plant's leaves for the management of diabetes.

Keywords
evaluation phytochemical amylase aqueous constituents in-vitro antioxidant a-amylase inhibitory activity euphorbia heterophylla
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