Alpha-amylase inhibitory effect screening and ascorbic acid estimation of Vitex negundo leaves

Abstract

Vitex negundo is an Indian herb with extensive historical uses for numerous ailments. A member of the Verbenaceae family, the small tree Vitex negundo has thin, gray bark. The herb is abundant and has pharmacological effects against a variety of ailments in conventional medicine. Numerous secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosidic iridoids, tannins, and terpenes, are present in all parts of the plant, but especially in the leaves. The plant is said to have a, variety of therapeutic uses due to its abundance of phytochemicals, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, bronchodilator, CNS depressant, emmenagogue detoxifying diuretic, anticancer, and hepatoprotective properties. In addition, it has larvicidal, insecticidal, and repellent uses. Leaf extract is used as an anthelmintic, nerve tonic, and sedative.The plant has the potential to be an effective biocontrol agent and is includedin several commercially available herbal supplements. The use of methods such as cell and tissue culture would allow rapid propagation and maintenance of plant species and, from a phytochemical perspective, would provide scope for improving the number and quality of bioactive secondary metabolites naturally produced by plants.