In Vitro α-Amylase Inhibitory and Antimicrobial Potential of Rauvolfia media Extracts
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Medicinal plants have long been used to treat diabetes, microbial infections, and more. Rauvolfia media is traditionally known for enhancing male sexual and reproductive health. Aim: To investigate, for the first time, the antimicrobial potential, effects on glucose utilisation in the L6 myoblast cell line, and inhibitory action of R. media bark and leaf extracts on α-amylase activity through in vitro methods. Methods: The disc diffusion method was employed to assess the antimicrobial effects of acetonic, acetic acid, methanolic, and aqueous extracts of R. media bark and leaves on Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, and Bacillus subtilis. Among these, B. subtilis was most sensitive to all extracts. Methanol extracts exhibited maximum antimicrobial activity against S. marcescens at 500 µg/ml, with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 100 µg/ml. Acetic acid extracts, however, were ineffective against all tested microorganisms. Acetone, acetic acid, and aqueous extracts of the leaves and bark were particularly effective against E. coli, with MICs ranging from 25 to 50 µg/ml. Results: The study demonstrated that R. media bark and leaf extracts possess potential for treating diseases caused by human pathogenic bacteria. Leaf extracts showed superior α-amylase inhibition compared to bark extracts. Conclusion: The antimicrobial activity observed provides scientific validation for the traditional use of R. media against infectious gram-negative bacteria. These findings highlight its potential as a source for developing drugs to treat various diseases. Additionally, in vitro tests suggest that R. media extracts regulate and prevent postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting α-amylase and enhancing glucose uptake in the L6 cell line, showing superior efficacy compared to the standard drug, metformin. Major Findings: Rauvolfia media bark and leaf extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity, particularly against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. The leaf extracts showed stronger α-amylase inhibition, indicating potential for managing postprandial hyperglycemia.
Source: Journal of Natural Remedies
Institution: Parul University
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408123801