Antidiabetic assays' based fractionation and characterization of Jamun (Syzygium cumini Skeels) fruits

Abstract

Jamun (Syzygium cumini Skeels) fruits are well known for their anti-diabetic properties. The present study aimed at characterization of promising accessions for anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant metabolites in seeds and pulp. Among 7 accessions characterized, fruit pulp of CISH J-36 and CISH J-37 recorded high DDPH scavenging activity (anti-oxidant potential), phenol and flavonoid content. Fractionation of the methanol extracts by liquid partitioning yielded 3 fractions (ethyl acetate, butanol and water) which were evaluated based on bioactivity assays. α-Amylase inhibition was maximum with seed (methanol extracts) of all accessions, successive water extracts having anti-diabetic potential as demonstrated by the inhibition assay. Five fractions collected by liquid-liquid partition using ethyl acetate (EA), butanol and water showed varying levels of bioactivity, EA fraction with high DPPH scavenging activity and butanol fraction with high α-Amylase inhibition activity. Sixth fraction (Sc/EA/A6) had best bioactivity (aldose reductase assay: IC50 4.20µg/ml). The anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic potential based on DPPH and α-Amylase inhibition assays are pioneering attempts to evaluate Jamun germplasm and its fruit parts for recovery of bioactive principles for development of novel phytomedicines.