Exploring the potential of Mangifera indica leaves extract versus mangiferin for therapeutic application

There has been an alarming increase in the prevalence of diabetes in India and worldwide. As an alternative medicine to treat diabetes mellitus, many herbal extracts and bioactives are being assessed all over the world. One of the strategic approaches for diabetes management is to control gastrointestinal glucose production and its absorption into the blood stream. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of aqueous extract of Mangifera indica leaves (mango leaves) and to compare it with its main biomolecule (mangiferin). An in vitro method using carbohydrate metabolism (α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition) was performed. The concentrations required for 90% inhibition of enzymes activity were determined to investigate the relative potency of the extract and mangiferin. The results showed that mangiferin strongly inhibited both α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity, with much higher potency than Acarbose and mango leaves extract, while mango leaves extract showed higher anti-oxidant activity compared to mangiferin. The results also showed that mango leaves extract and mangiferin have a bright future in the therapy of diabetes mellitus. Such a comparison helps to evaluate whether the active biomolecules are playing a role or if the whole extract is required for the management of a disease. This would be beneficial in designing a proper process for utilization of natural medicines.