In vitro Elucidation of Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities with Phytochemical Profiling of Root Extract of Paeonia emodi Wall. ex Royle Traditionally Used Plant

Background/Objectives

The present study explores the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of Paeonia emodi Wall. ex Royle, known as Chandra which is the member of family Paeoniaceae, traditionally utilized by local inhabitants of the Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, for managing diabetes. The selection of this plant was based on ethnobotanical evidence indicating that its part roots are employed in folk medicine to control postprandial hyperglycemia.

Materials and Methods

The ethanolic extract of P. emodi was subjected to phytochemical screening, which confirmed the presence of major bioactive constituents including phenolics and flavonoids. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH and H₂O₂ radical scavenging assays. Enzyme inhibition studies demonstrated marked Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase suppressive effects.

Results

Where the extract exhibited strong free radical inhibition with IC₅₀ values of 8.52 ±2.16 µg/mL and 92.85 ± 3.88 µg/mL, respectively. Also, the TPC and TFC content was 412.73± 2.04 mg GAE/g and 153.17 ± 0.13 mg QE/g of extract has been estimated. Enzyme inhibition studies demonstrated marked Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase suppressive effects, recording IC₅₀ values of 2.38 ± 1.16 µg/mL for porcine Alpha-Amylase, 2.56±1.23 µg/mL for yeast Alpha-Glucosidase, and IC₅₀ value 13.21±1.08 µg/mL for intestinal rat Alpha-Glucosidase. The extract exhibited significantly higher inhibitory efficacy (p < 0.05) than the standard drug Acarbose, indicating its strong potential in controlling carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption.

Conclusion

These findings highlight P. emodi as a novel source of natural antioxidant and antidiabetic compounds, demonstrating potent multi-target activity. This study provides a scientific basis for its traditional use and suggests that P. emodi could serve as a promising candidate for developing plant-based therapeutics for diabetes management.