Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor of oxidative stress through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS triggers cell damage which enhances the risk of several diabetes associated disorders such as neuropathy. There are many treatment options but no cure, and the quest for the natural, cost-effective treatment regimen is ongoing. Therefore, the present study was conducted to observe the in-vitro antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activities of the indigenous natural herbs Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Cinnamomum verum (daarcheeni), Piper nigrum (Black pepper), and Syzygium aromaticum (clove). Herbal decoctions were prepared and in-vitro biochemical analysis were done of the antioxidant potential of herbs by inhibition of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes with lowering of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Moreover, spectrophotometric percentage inhibition of acetylcholine-esterase (AChE) and butyrylcholine-esterase (BChE) enzymes by the herbs was also measured. It was observed that herbal decoctions possess strong antioxidant activities especially Z. officinale decoction with significant percentage inhibition of enzymes with lowering of DPPH and MDA levels. Hence, herbal decoctions with potential antioxidant scavenging activities can be used to ameliorate progression of DM and associated psychoneurological disorders.

Key words: Antioxidants, oxidative stress, diabetes mellitus, decoction, neurological disorders.