Preliminary Phytochemical Examination and Antidiabetic Characteristics of Vernonia Travancorica Hook. F., A Rare Endemic Tree of Southern Western Ghats

By : Archana. P.J. , Pinkie Cherian

Page No: 438-445

Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, marked by high blood glucose, is a global health concern requiring alternative management strategies. This study explores the potential of Vernonia travancorica Hook. f., an endemic tree from the Southern Western Ghats of India, as a natural remedy. Although used in indigenous medicine, its antidiabetic properties remain underexplored. Through phytochemical analysis, the study aims to identify bioactive compounds with therapeutic effects on glucose regulation. The research compares the inhibitory potential of acarbose, a diabetes drug, with ethanolic extracts from different plant parts of V. travancorica. Acarbose showed the highest efficacy (IC50 = 291.02 μg/mL). Among plant extracts, the leaf extract exhibited the second-highest efficacy in inhibiting alpha-amylase (IC50 = 608.645 μg/mL), followed by floral and stem extracts. For alpha-glucosidase inhibition, the leaf extract was most effective (IC50 = 587.115 μg/mL). The study suggests further investigation into these extracts’ potential for diabetes management.

Authors
Archana. P.J.: Assistant Professor, Post Graduate and Research Department of Botany, Sree Narayana College (Affiliated to the University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram); Kollam, Kerala, and Research Scholar, Sanathana Dharma College (Affiliated to the University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram), Alappuzha, P.O. Kerala, India.
Pinkie Cherian: Assistant Professor, St Joseph’s College for Women (Affiliated to the University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram), Alappuzha P.O. Kerala, India.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPSR.2025.41.03.8