Analyses and profiling of extract and fractions of neglected weed Mimosa pudica Linn. traditionally used in Southeast Asia to treat diabetes

• Anti-diabetic enzyme assay and GCMS TOF profiling done for first time
• Two- and three-fold inhibitory activity as compared to acarbose standard
• First time reporting of dodecaboranes and other bioactive compounds
• M pudica shows effective anti-diabetic activity
• Alternative source for medicinal plant

Mimosa pudica Linn. var. hispida Bren. (Family: Fabaceae) a neglected weed has been studied for its antidiabetic potential to propose alternative medicinal source against the global threat of diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to investigate in vitro inhibitory activity against diabetic enzymes (i.e. α-amylase & α-glucosidase) and three anti-oxidant assays were conducted to evaluate anti-diabetic potential of M. pudica’s methanol extract (MeOHi) and its sub-fractions (Hexanef, EtOAcf, Acetonef and MeOHf). In depth chemical profiling using GC Q-TOF MS was also performed for the first time for this weed, to assess the probable compounds present in the extract and sub fractions that could be linked to anti-diabetic activity. Results showed the lowest (7.18 ± 0.0005) and highest (158.4 ± 0.0004) IC50 for DPPH assay by MeOHi and MeOHf, respectively. Acetonef and MeOHi showed the highest TPC (60.07 ± 1.066) and TFC (16.97 ± 1.472), respectively. Three and two fold higher inhibitory activity than the standard acarbose at 1 mg/ mL was manifested by MeOHi (95.65 ± 0.911) & EtOAcf (51.87 ± 3.106), respectively. Hexanef did not show inhibitory activity against both the enzymes. α-glucosidase results for the extract and sub fractions were found to be significant (p < 0.05). GC Q-TOF MS analysis identified organic acids, quinolones, quinone, phenolic compounds and dodecaborane as major constituents. Presence of highly radical scavenging dodecaborane is being reported for the first time in M. pudica. High TPC and TFC values could be attributed to exert enzyme inhibitory action by M. pudica that can help in the regulation of glucose absorption and consequently glucose homeostasis. Results show that M. pudica can be proposed as an excellent alternative for future anti-diabetic implications.