Bioactive Potential of Baby Corn Silk: In-Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-diabetic, and Anti-gout Activities

Abstract

To analyse phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity and α-amylase, αglucosidase and xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential of corn silk extracts derived from the Syngenta 5414 corn variety. MethodsCorn silk sample was lyophilized and extracted using 80% ethanol, methanol, water or acetone. Phytochemicals were qualitatively screened and bioactive compounds were identi ed through GCMS. Antimicrobial activities were evaluated using the agar well method for bacteria and fungal biomass method for fungi. The extracts were subjected to evaluation for their antidiabetic activity through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays, while their anti-gout potential was assessed through xanthine oxidase inhibitory assay, encompassing all four solvent extracts in the study. ResultsPhytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, avonoids, tannins, alkaloids, sterols, protein xanthoproteic, and cardiac glycosides in the extracts. The Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl 3 assays demonstrated higher yields of phenolics and avonoids in 80% ethanolic extract. Furthermore, the extracts remarkably scavenged reactive oxygen species like DPPH, ABTS and elicited considerable ferric ion reducing antioxidant power. GC-MS analysis identi ed 21 compounds in the 80% ethanolic extract, with 1,2,3-Propanetriol-1-acetate, n-Hexadecanoic acid, and 4H-Pyran-4-one,2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-as major components. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated the ethanolic (80%) and methanolic extract's remarkable ability to inhibit the growth of Grampositive bacteria and exhibit anti-fungal properties. The ethanolic (80%) extract exhibited an IC 50 value of 0.70 ± 0.02 and 0.71 ± 0.01 mg against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively, and 33.76 ± 0.43 mg against xanthine oxidase. ConclusionCorn silk exhibits potential as a valuable reservoir of natural bioactive compounds endowed with a wide array of health-promoting properties. HighlightsThe study highlights the signi cance of natural by-products in modern medicine and emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary research in unlocking their full potential for human health and well-being.The study emphasizes the signi cance of exploring most suitable extraction solvent for speci c sample types and the exhibited biological activities.The outcomes contribute to the understanding of corn silk's phytochemical composition and provide scienti c support for its traditional use in the management of diabetes mellitus and gout.The study bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scienti c insights, rea rming the potential value of traditional medicine in addressing contemporary health challenges.