In vitro and in vivo analyses of the antihyperglycemic potential of the ethanolic extract of Ananas comosus (l.) Merr. (Bromeliaceae) crown leaves

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by an increase in blood glucose levels. Glycemic control is an approach used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The use of plant-derived compounds provides an alternative to commercially available hypoglycemic agents typically associated with adverse side effects. In this study, the ethanolic extracts of Ananas comosus (pineapple) crown leaves was evaluated for its potential in managing blood glucose levels. Alpha-glucosidase inhibition assay and oral glucose tolerance test were performed to assess the a-glucosidase inhibitory properties and antihyperglycemic effects of the pineapple crown leaf extract. Results from the a- glucosidase inhibition assay indicated that a concentration of 0.5 milligrams per milliliter of pineapple crown leaf extract exhibited greater inhibition of a-glucosidase activity compared to the positive control, acarbose. Oral glucose tolerance test showed zebrafish administered with 500 milligrams per liter of pineapple crown leaf extract had significantly reduced blood glucose levels and was shown to be comparable to the hypoglycemic drug, metformin. The antihyperglycemic potential of pineapple crown leaf is attributed to the bioactive compounds present in its extract.