Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Keywords

Ficus nota; α-amylase inhibition; α-glucosidase inhibition; antioxidant

Abstract

Diabetes affects millions worldwide, characterized by hyperglycemia caused by oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS), which impairs insulin secretion. Current medications have implications, prompting interest in using natural remedies. Ficus species demonstrated antidiabetic potential in in vitro and in vivo models. This study focuses on the inhibitory and antioxidant activity of Tibig (Ficus nota), endemic to the Philippines and known for its traditional medicinal uses. The research evaluated its ethanolic leaf extract for the presence of secondary metabolites, inhibitory activities against α-amylase and α-glucosidase with Acarbose as the control, and antioxidant activities using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay with Ascorbic acid as the control. Phytochemical tests affirmed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, unsaturated lactones, tannins, and phenols, suggesting potential cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ficus nota extract exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition against α -amylase and α -glucosidase, with maximum inhibitory activities of 85.03% and 99.26%, and IC50 values of 0.1204 ± 0.0517 mg/mL and 0.0016 ± 0.0412 mg/mL, respectively, surpassing Acarbose. Furthermore, it demonstrated dual behavior of antioxidant in lower concentrations and possible pro-oxidant activity in higher concentrations in the DPPH assay, with maximum scavenging activity of 74.71% and an IC50 value of 0.6414 ± 0.0484 mg/mL, closely matching the scavenging activity of Ascorbic acid. These findings indicate that Ficus nota has significant inhibitory and antioxidant activities, suggesting its potential applications in managing diabetes and wide-range health conditions.

First Advisor

Walter Aljohn T. Espiritu, RCh

Download

Share

COinS