Evaluation of the effect of Musa paradisiaca L. rhizome on Saccharomyces glucose absorption and DPPH free radical scavenging capacity

Abstract

Introduction: Musa paradisiaca is a common edible plant used in traditional medical systems for its medicinal properties. In this study, in vitro anti-hyperglycaemic potential and in vitro antioxidant activity of M. paradisiaca rhizome were investigated. Methods: Dried rhizome of M. paradisiaca was sequentially extracted to hexane and dichloromethane using cold maceration technique. Stock concentrations of hexane extract (35.35 mg/mL) and dichloromethane extract (22.14 mg/mL) were diluted to prepare different concentrations and were used to evaluate the effects of plant extracts on glucose uptake potential by yeast cells and DPPH free radical scavenging capacity compared to metformin and ascorbic acid standards respectively. Results: The extracts improved the glucose uptake through yeast plasma membrane, since a linear relationship in glucose uptake by yeast cells was
observed with gradual increase in concentration of the plant extract. In terms of glucose adsorption capacity, dichloromethane extract of plant possessed a significant (p<0.05) activity compared to the hexane extract at higher glucose concentrations, but this activity was significantly less compared to metformin standard (p<0.05). Further, dichloromethane extract demonstrated a higher level of glucose adsorption potential than hexane extract. Same extract had the highest DPPH radical scavenging potential in antioxidant assay. However, this activity was concentration-dependent, and both extracts showed lower radical scavenging potentials compared to the ascorbic acid standard. Conclusion: Dichloromethane extract of M. paradisiaca rhizome is more biologically active compared to its hexane extract in terms of in vitro glucose adsorption potential and antioxidant properties. However, both extracts showed significantly lower activity compared to metformin in glucose uptake assay while  ascorbic acid showed the highest activity in free radical scavenging.

Keywords: DPPH, Glucose adsorption, Musa paradisiaca rhizome, Saccharomyces