Phytochemical Screening and α-Glucosidase Inhibitor Activity of Aerial Parts of Maidenhair Fern: <i>Adiantum lunulatum</i>

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants and herbs are used extensively in traditional medicine to treat and manage a wide range of conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its after-effects. As diabetes mellitus is increasing rapidly and is mostly caused by changes in lifestyle, the use of traditional medicines for its treatment and management has increased. Fern extracts have demonstrated tremendous potential in the management of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular problems and neurological disorders. A prominent class of type 2 antidiabetic drugs and α-glucosidase inhibitors work by lowering postprandial hyperglycemia. Aim: The purpose of this in vitro investigation was to assess any possible inhibitory effects of aerial portions of the Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum lunulatum Burm). Methods: Using extracts of Adiantum lunulatum derived from methanolic and chloroform solvents, the research team performed phytochemical screenings to ascertain if the extracts could stop α-glucosidase. Results: Minimising the postprandial plasma glucose spikes is achieved by delaying the absorption of carbs and glucose by inhibiting the activity of α-glucosidase. The chloroform extract of Adiantum lunulatum exhibited an IC50 value of 705.02 ± 2.122 μg/ml and the methanol extract exhibited an IC50 value of 526.12 ± 1.155 μg/ml. Acarbose was used as a positive control with an IC50 value of 314.11 ± 1.021 μg/ml. The methanol extract exhibited more potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity than other extracts. The phytochemical screening of the extracts showed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids. The microscopic study of the rachis of the fronds was carried out which showed the presence of a single layer of epidermic, sclerenchyma, stele and exarch xylem which helps in authentication. Conclusion: These findings can pave the way for the development of novel medicinal compounds derived from the Maidenhair Fern and bring more standardisation to the use of traditional herbal therapies for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.