Metabolite profiling, antidiabetic, and antioxidant potential of different tissues of Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don
Dinesh Kumar, Dinesh Kumar, Vandana Kumari, Dinesh Kumar, Dinesh Kumar
Abstract
Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don (Melanthiaceae) is a medicinally important herbaceous plant and its rhizomes are claimed to have therapeutic effects in traditional health practices. In earlier reports, only rhizomes have been well explored for chemistry and efficacy, while aerial tissues are still underutilized. Due to overexploitation of T. govanianum for rhizomes, it is listed as extinct. To understand the potentials of aerial tissues in comparison to rhizomatous tissues, the present study was focused to estimate polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponin (Borassoside E) as well as in-vitro antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials. Ethanolic extract of fresh tissues (roots, rhizomes, rhizomatous buds, stems, leaves, sepals, fruits, fruit pulp, and seeds) were analysed to determine the total phenolics, flavonoids, and saponins content using spectrophotometric methods. Whereas, Borassoside E and targeted polyphenols were determined using UPLC-PDA methods. Current findings disclosed that phenolics and saponins were enriched in aerial tissues (sepals, fruits, and leaves) while borassoside E was found only in underground parts. All samples showed free radical scavenging and α-amylase inhibitory activity, while α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was present in all, except borassoside E. Both aerial and underground tissues of T. govanianum contained valuable polyphenols including flavonoids, and saponins. Borassoside E was found as a specific α-amylase inhibitor and will helps to prevent the degradation of starch. Alteration of targeted metabolites and activities were also observed within plant tissues. These results highlight the importance of aerial tissues for futuristic utilization and value addition. Further, study will help in quality control, agrotechnological interventions for captive cultivations.