Okafor Sixtus Amarachukwu*, Ogbonna Churchill Chisom, Iwuji Samuel Chidi, Ndubuka Gideon Ihebuzor Nnanta, Azeez Taofik Oladimeji
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that is characterized by prolonged hyperglycemia. Some plant-based herbal formulations have been reported to lower blood sugar levels and control diabetic complications. Harnessing the inherent potentials in plants phytochemicals for specific health therapy remains a challenge. In this study, and using cold maceration and gravimetric methods for extraction, we isolated, identified and characterized some bioactive phytochemicals in Mangifera indica (mango leaf) and Annona muricata (soursop leaf). The phytochemicals were further screened and analysed using qualitative and quantitative techniques. The results of the both samples revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, terpenoids and saponins with 15.62% flavonoids and 20.50% saponin yield respectively for Mango Leaf (MGL) and Soursop Leaves (SSL); followed by phenol and tannin then alkaloids and terpenoids that gave the least yield. The antidiabetic potentials of six (6) selected phytochemicals were also investigated via alpha amylase inhibitory assay and glucose uptake capacity of yeast cells. Our data revealed impressive alpha amylase inhibitory activity and glucose uptake across the plasma membrane of the yeast cells, with Flavonoids, saponin and terpenoids fractions of the samples possessing the highest alpha amylase inhibitory activity and glucose uptake capacity. It is our conclusion, therefore, that Mangifera indica (mango leaf) and Annona muricata (soursop leaf) ethanolic extract posses anti diabetic potentials by inhibiting alpha amylase and increasing glucose uptake within the cell.