Anti-diabetic activity of Tridax procumbens

Abstract

A study of ancient literature indicates that diabetes was fairly well known and well conceived as an entity in India. Plant-based drugs have been used against various diseases since a long time. The nature has provided abundant plant wealth for all the living creatures, which possess medicinal virtues. The essential values of some plants have long been published, but a large number of them have remained unexplored to date. Therefore, there is a necessity to explore their uses and to conduct pharmacognostic and pharmacological studies to ascertain their therapeutic properties. In fact, nowadays, diabetes is a global problem. Hence, the present study aims to open new avenues for the improvement of medicinal uses of Tridax procumbens (Compositae) for the selected area for diabetes. Another important objective of such a study is to bring the anti-diabetic medicinal plants sector on a firm scientific footing, raise awareness and add value to the resource. Petroleum ether (60-80°C), chloroform, and methanol extracts of whole plant of Tridax procumbens were studied for in-vitro alpha amylase activity, percent inhibition value was compared to standard acarbose and quercitin.