Pharmacognostical Standardization, HPTLC Fingerprinting, Antioxidant, and Anti-Diabetic Potential Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulation Containing Selected Indigenous Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used in Ayurvedic Diabetes Management

Aditi Sharma, Dr. Arjun Reddy
Department of Pharmaceutics, Rungta Institute of Pharmaceutical Science,

Rungta Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

1. Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a long-term metabolic condition marked by continuous high blood sugar levels due to issues with insulin production, insulin function, or both. The global rise in diabetes cases has heightened the pursuit of safer and more effective treatment options. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, a variety of native medicinal plants are used, either individually or in combination, to manage diabetes. These polyherbal formulations provide enhanced therapeutic effects, lower toxicity, and target multiple mechanisms compared to single-herb treatments. However, the absence of scientific standardization and quality control poses a significant barrier to their worldwide acceptance. This study aimed to perform pharmacognostical standardization, HPTLC fingerprinting, antioxidant evaluation, and assessment of the antidiabetic potential of a polyherbal formulation comprising selected indigenous medicinal plants traditionally used in Ayurvedic diabetes management. The pharmacognostical evaluation encompassed macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, and phytochemical analyses following WHO guidelines. HPTLC fingerprinting was utilized to identify marker compounds and establish chromatographic profiles. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, while the in vitro antidiabetic potential was evaluated through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, along with glucose uptake studies. The results highlighted significant pharmacognostic characteristics that confirmed the identity and purity of the chosen plant materials. HPTLC analysis identified key phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which are responsible for therapeutic effects. The formulation showed strong antioxidant activity, which was linked to its high phenolic and flavonoid content. Additionally, the notable inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes suggested a promising antidiabetic potential. This study provides scientific validation for the traditional use of indigenous medicinal plants in Ayurvedic diabetes management and establishes quality control parameters for the polyherbal formulation. The findings support the formulation’s therapeutic potential as a natural antioxidant and antidiabetic agent and lay the groundwork for further pharmacological and clinical research.

2. Keywords

Polyherbal composition; Standardization in pharmacognosy; HPTLC profiling; Activity against oxidation; Activity against diabetes; Ayurvedic healing plants; Analysis of phytochemicals; Diabetes mellitus; Native healing plants.