Polyphenol rich fruit pulp of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa exhibits nutraceutical properties to down regulate diabetic complications - An in vitro study

In the present study, methanolic extract of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa fruit pulp (AME) was evaluated for various parameters relevant to diabetes such as antiperoxidative, free radical scavenging and inhibitory potentials of enzymes related to carbohydrate digestion (alpha-amylase and glucosidase). Attempts were also made to see whether AME reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by H2O2 and accelerate glucose uptake in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells. AME exhibited significant radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals in a dose dependant manner. Studies with lecithin lipid micelle system revealed that the AME can inhibit lipid peroxidation (EC50 302.42 ± 1.25 μg/ml) and its activity can be compared to standard compound, alpha-tocopherol (EC50 220.15 ± 0.91 μg/ml). AME also dose dependently inhibited alpha-amylase (EC50 430.51 ± 1.61 μg/ml) and alpha-glucosidase (294.4 ± 0.85 μg/ml) and exerted significant antiglycation potential. Increased ROS generation induced by H2O2 was also reduced by pretreatment with AME in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells. Treatment with AME in L6 cells which up regulated the glucose uptake confirms the hypoglycemic potential of the extract. These results may explain the use of A. marmelos fruit as a natural remedy or medicinal food for the management of type 2 diabetes via modulating oxidative stress, protein glycation and hyperglycemia.

► Aegle marmelos fruit pulp acts as potent scavenger of free radicals. ► It shows alpha-glucosidase inhibitory potential. ► It also reduces oxidative stress in rat skeletal muscle cells. ► Inhibits protein glycation in dose dependant manner. ► Enhanced glucose uptake reveals insulin like activity.