Inhibitory Effects of a Specific Phytochemical Combination on Carbohydrate Metabolism, Lipid Digestion, and Free Radicals: An in Vitro Study

Diabetes, characterized by insulin insufficiency/resistance and oxidative stress, is a global health concern. Traditional plant combinations offer potential as oral diabetes therapy due to their multifaceted pharmacological properties. Aims: This study evaluated the antidiabetic, antilipidemic, and antioxidant potential of a phytochemical combination comprising Salacia extracts (Salacia chinensis and Salacia oblonga), Curcumin, and Piperine. Settings and Design: In vitro experiments assessed the inhibitory activity of the phytochemical combination on key enzymes related to carbohydrate metabolism, lipid digestion, and free radicals. Methods and Material: A formulation containing Salacia extract (80 mg %), Curcumin (15 mg %), and Piperine (05 mg %) per 100 mg total weight was evaluated. Inhibition of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, aldolase, aldose reductase, PTP 1B) and lipid digestion enzymes (cholesterol esterase, lipase) was determined. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays. Statistical analysis used: The results were expressed as the average ± standard deviation (SD) based on three replicates. IC50 values were calculated using GraphPad Prism 5.0 software. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted to assess the relationship between enzyme activity and total phenolic content/antioxidant activity utilizing SPSS® version 20. Results: The phytochemical combination demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against carbohydrate metabolism enzymes (IC50 values: 37.20 μg/ml for α-amylase, 18.65 μg/ml for α- glucosidase, 59.38 μg/ml for aldolase, 17.52 μg/ml for aldose reductase, 32.54 μg/ml for PTP 1B). Moderate cholesterol esterase inhibition (IC50: 53.50 μg/ml) and antioxidant activity (IC50: 66.12 μg/ml for DPPH, 45.01 μg/ml for ABTS) were observed. Conclusions: The phytochemical combination exhibits significant inhibitory effects on key enzymes involved in diabetes pathophysiology, suggesting its potential as a primary diabetes therapy. Additional in vivo studies are required to confirm and validate these findings.