The Glycemic Elemental Profile of Trichosanthes dioica: A LIBS-Based Study

Abstract

The scientific evaluation of the antidiabetic efficacy of aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica fruits on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats is being presented. The graded doses of the extract, viz., 500, 750, 1,000, and 1,250 mg/kg body weight (bw), were administered orally, and it was observed that the blood glucose concentration decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The dose of 1,000 mg/kg bw showed the maximum fall of 23.8% and 19.1% in blood glucose level (BGL) during fasting BGL and glucose tolerance test (GTT) studies, respectively, of nondiabetic rats. Whereas in the case of subdiabetic and mild diabetic models, the same dose showed reduction in BGL of 22.0% and 31.4% during GTT. The study also involves the first use of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy as a sensitive analytical tool to detect the elemental profile responsible for the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of T. dioica fruits that exhibits the antidiabetic activity. High intensities of Ca, Mg, and Fe indicate large concentrations of these elements in the extract, since according to Boltzmann's distribution law, intensities are directly proportional to concentrations. The higher concentrations of these glycemic elements, viz. Ca, Mg, and Fe, are responsible for the antidiabetic potential of T. dioica as well as other plant already reported by our research group.

Use of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for the Detection of Glycemic Elements in Indian Medicinal Plants

“…Effect of fruit powder has been studied on blood sugar and lipid profile of normal albino rabbits [84]. Aqueous extract of seeds and leaves have glycemic elemental profile and have shown antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective properties [28–30, 85–88]. …”

Importance of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for Biomedical Applications: A Comprehensive Review

“…[16][17][18] Recently, Rai et al 17 also came up with a review which presents the most recent application of LIBS for the detection of glycemic elements in the medicinal plants. Here, the authors have discussed the characteristics of matrices, object analysis, use of laser system, and analytical performances with respect to Indian herbs.…”

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS): an overview of recent progress and future potential for biomedical applications

“…Also of interest has been the ability of LIBS to rapidly monitor the elemental composition of fruits and their aqueous extracts to determine their contribution to the known antidiabetic activities of these foods [17,18,19]. This information provided by LIBS concerning elemental concentrations has been correlated with a known efficacy for diabetes RevIew Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS): an overview of recent progress and future potential for biomedical applications Figure 1.…”