Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Pharmacological Evaluation of Mundulea sericea for Antidiabetic Activity

Background

Mundulea sericea is a lesser-studied medicinal plant with potential pharmacological applications. Despite its traditional use, limited scientific reports are available on its phytochemical constituents and antidiabetic activity. Objectives: To perform preliminary phytochemical profiling, assess acute toxicity, and evaluate the antidiabetic potential of bark extracts of Mundulea sericea.

Materials and Methods

Bark extracts were prepared using Soxhlet extraction with ethanol, hydroalcoholic mixture, and petroleum ether as solvents. Standard phytochemical screening tests were conducted, and Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) has been utilized to confirm the existence of bioactive compounds. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in Wistar rats in keeping with OECD guideline 423 at doses reaching 2000 mg/kg. Glibenclamide was the standard reference drug used to study antidiabetic activity in Streptozotocin (STZ) or Alloxan-induced diabetic models.

Results

Phytochemical analysis confirmed the existence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids, steroids, or tannins, with the ethanolic extract showing the highest yield (16.7%). TLC analysis revealed distinct R_f values for different constituents. Acute toxicity studies demonstrated no mortality or pathological abnormalities up to 2000 mg/kg. In diabetic models, the ethanolic extract produced significant reduction in Blood Glucose Levels (BGL), comparable to Glibenclamide, while the hydroalcoholic and petroleum ether extracts showed moderate effects.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that Mundulea sericea bark extracts, particularly the ethanolic fraction, are safe and exhibit promising antidiabetic activity, supporting their potential as candidates for plant-based antidiabetic drug development.