Comprehensive Chemical Profiling and Assessment of In-Vitro Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Polysaccharides Derived from Allium cepa and Allium sativum
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objectives: Polysaccharides from diverse plant species have been consumed since ancient times to meet human energy needs.In recent years, plant-derived polysaccharides have gained scientific interest for their potential medicinal properties.Multiple studies indicate that these compounds exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities.This study evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of polysaccharides extracted from Allium sativum (ASP) and Allium cepa (ACP).Methods: Polysaccharides were isolated by hot-water extraction followed by ethanol precipitation.The extracts were chemically characterized through phytochemical tests and FT-IR analysis.Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities were assessed using DPPH radical scavenging, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assays, and an in vitro glucose uptake assay.Results: Polysaccharides from both species were pale yellow in color.Total carbohydrate content was 76.12% for ASP and 72.93% for ACP.FT-IR analysis indicated the presence of reducing sugars and pectic polysaccharides.ASP showed stronger DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC 50 = 85.7 ± 1.06 μg/mL) than ACP (IC 50 = 99.38 ± 1.39 μg/mL), though both were less potent than ascorbic acid.ASP also demonstrated greater α-amylase inhibition (IC 50 = 61.57± 0.86 μg/mL) compared with ACP (IC 50 = 72.82± 2.51 μg/mL).α-Glucosidase inhibition was similar between ASP (IC 50 = 69.56 ± 1.31 μg/mL) and ACP (IC 50 = 68.61± 2.09 μg/mL).Both extracts enhanced glucose utilization in a dose-dependent manner, with ASP showing the highest glucose stimulation at 758.3 μg/mL, significantly increasing glucose uptake relative to untreated controls.Conclusion: Polysaccharides from Allium species exhibit promising potential to be used in diabetes therapy.Further in vivo studies and clinical trials are required to confirm these findings.
Source: Journal of pharmacopuncture
Authors: Himangshu Deka, Ananta Choudhury
Institution: Assam Down Town University
Language: English
Topic: Garlic and Onion Studies
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7165876763