PHYTOCHEMICAL DIVERSITY AND DUAL Α-GLUCOSIDASE AND DPP-IV INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF BOERHAVIA DIFFUSA LINN.: IMPLICATIONS FOR PHYTOPHARMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT

Boerhavia diffusa Linn. is an herb used extensively in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. In this investigation, we examined the leaf extract of Boerhavia diffusa to determine its physicochemical properties, phytochemical constitution, chromatographic fingerprint, and in-vitro antidiabetic activity. The physicochemical parameters indicated a higher percentage of extract in water (4.1%) and methanol (3.1%), whereas the evaluation of total ash (5.9%), acid-insoluble ash (1.3%), and loss of drying (2.9%) indicated the good quality and stability of the plant material. The phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, terpenoids, and phytosterols. Thin Layer Chromatography showed the presence of various phytoconstituents with Rf values between 0.25 and 0.75. The ethanolic extract showed concentration-dependent α-glucosidase inhibition (10.3-38.0%; IC50 120.00 µg/mL) and moderate DPP-IV inhibition (12.5-62.3%). The results validate the traditional use of Boerhavia diffusa and its potential as a natural source.