In vitro Antidiabetic
and Antioxidant Activity of Dioscorea oppositifolia
Senthil Nathan M., Thirumal C., Yuganth K. and Kannan B.
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(6); 11-18;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/206rjbt011018; (2025)
Abstract
Dioscorea oppositifolia, commonly known as Chinese yam, is a member of the Dioscoreaceae
family which comprises of over 600 species. Dioscorea plants are known to contain
various bioactive compounds including steroids, clerodane diterpenes, quinones,
cyanidins, phenolics, diarylheptanoids and nitrogen compounds. The tubers and roots
of Dioscorea species are particularly rich in steroidal sapogenins, primarily diosgenin
along with volatile compounds. This study aimed to assess the in vitro antidiabetic
and antioxidant properties of Dioscorea oppositifolia extract. The antidiabetic
potential was evaluated using α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays while
antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH radical scavenging and ferric-reducing
antioxidant power (FRAP) assays.
The extract demonstrated significant inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes,
indicating its potential to modulate postprandial blood glucose levels. Additionally,
the extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity by effectively scavenging DPPH
radicals and increasing the FRAP value. These findings highlight the potential of
Dioscorea oppositifolia as a natural source of antidiabetic and antioxidant agents,
supporting further investigation into its therapeutic applications for diabetes
and oxidative stress-related disorders.
