DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

Foeniculum vulgare, a well-known herbaceous plant widely utilized for tis culinary and medicinal properties in rural communities, this suggests the presence of bioactive compounds with therapeutic effects or action. This study aims at elucidating the medicinal properties of the plant by investigating the mineral and vitamin composition and alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory properties of ethanol extracts derived from Foeniculum vulgare. Ethanol extracts of Foeniculum vulgare were prepared using standard extraction techniques, solvent extraction with absolute ethanol as the solvent used, the vitamins and minerals content of the extract were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The in vitro alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase activity of the plant extracts were assessed by subjecting the extracts to enzyme inhibition assays using acarbose as the control for each assay. The results obtained suggest that ethanol extract of Foeniculum vulgare were rich in vitamins, predominantly vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and vitamin B3 (Niacin), also micronutrients like Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Cadmium (Cd) were found to be present at varying concentrations. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited significant inhibition of alpha-glucosidase enzymes in vitro, indicating their potential as natural inhibitors of the carbohydrate-digesting enzyme. However, the results indicated little in vitro alpha amylase inhibitory activity. These findings uncover the pharmacological potential of Foeniculum vulgare extracts as functional food ingredients or dietary supplement for managing conditions associated with abnormal carbohydrate metabolism, such as diabetes, by controlling postprandial glucose levels through the inhibition of carbohydrate digestion.

Diabetes mellitus is a long-lasting metabolic condition that is marked by high blood sugar levels due to problems with insulin release, its effectiveness, or both. Blocking carbohydrate-breaking enzymes like alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase has been recognized as a useful technique for controlling high blood sugar after meals. This research was conducted to assess the effects of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) extract on the activities of alpha-amylase and alpha glucosidase in a lab setting and to determine its potential as a natural treatment for diabetes. The leaves of the plant were gathered, dried in the air, and then oaked in ethanol to create the extract. Tests for enzyme inhibition were performed, and the IC₅₀ values were calculated to see
how the extract's effectiveness compared to the standard medication acarbose. The outcomes showed that Vernonia amygdalina effectively inhibited both enzymes in a way that depended on the concentration used. The IC₅₀ for blocking alpha-amylase was 0. 036 ± 0. 005 mg/mL, which is similar to acarbose (0. 031 ± 0. 005 mg/mL), indicating strong blocking ability. On the other hand, the extract showed a weaker effect against alpha-glucosidase, with an IC₅₀ of 0. 122 ± 0. 05 mg/mL compared to 0. 081 ± 0. 005 mg/mL for acarbose. These results imply that Vernonia amygdalina could slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, thus helping to control blood sugar levels after meals. The findings support the traditional uses of Vernonia
amygdalina for managing diabetes and emphasize its potential as a plant-based treatment option. Additional studies in living organisms and clinical research are suggested to confirm its effectiveness and safety in treating diabetes