A Review: Antioxidant and Antidiabitic Properties of Spermadictyon Suaveolens

Abstract

Finding new and safer treatments for diabetes is very important. Natural substances, especially those that act as antioxidants and block certain sugar-digesting enzymes, are becoming more popular for managing diabetes. Current diabetes medicines can have side effects, especially with long-term use, so researchers are looking at natural options like plant-based compounds. These natural substances can help lower blood sugar levels after meals by slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates. They also help reduce damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. This article looks at recent research on natural compounds that have both antioxidant effects and the ability to block sugar- digesting enzymes, which could lead to safer and more effective treatments for diabetes. This study was done to see if an alcohol-based extract from the roots of S. suaveolens (EESS) can help fight diabetes, high cholesterol, and harmful substances in the body (antioxidants). Diabetes was caused in rats using a chemical called streptozotocin (STZ), and then the extract was given to see how well it worked. The extract was also tested in the lab to check its ability to reduce blood sugar and fight harmful free radicals. The plant Spermadictyon suaveolens is used by tribes to help with bone pain, healing wounds, diabetes, snake and scorpion bites, viral infections, and to make charcoal for gunpowder. Scientists have studied the leaves, flowers, and stems and found that they have chemicals that can fight germs, malaria, cancer, inflammation, and insects. But the roots and bark of this plant have not been studied much yet. The plant has many natural chemicals in its stem and roots. These chemicals can help protect the body from damage and may have other health benefits .

Introduction

Growing concern over the side effects and cost of synthetic drugs has increased global interest in plant-based medicines. Traditional medicinal knowledge plays an important role in identifying safer and effective natural treatments. Spermadictyon suaveolens Roxb., a plant long used in traditional medicine, has received limited scientific investigation, and this study explores its antioxidant and antidiabetic potential using modern experimental methods.

Diabetes mellitus is a major global health issue and is strongly linked to oxidative stress, caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cells and impair insulin function. Plant-derived antioxidants are considered safer than synthetic ones and may help manage diabetes by reducing oxidative damage.

The study highlights several advantages of S. suaveolens, including free-radical scavenging ability, rich phytochemical content, improved glucose tolerance, enzyme inhibition, enhanced glucose uptake, and lipid regulation. However, limitations include variability in plant composition, lack of extensive human trials, unknown optimal dosage, and possible drug interactions.

Microscopic examination of plant tissues supported quality control and identification, revealing anomocytic stomata, a distinguishing feature within the Rubiaceae family. Roots of the plant were collected, authenticated, dried, powdered, and used for experimental analysis.

In vivo and in vitro studies showed that diabetic rats experienced pancreatic damage, particularly to insulin-producing β-cells. Treatment with S. suaveolens ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) improved pancreatic structure, with the lower dose showing better protection and regeneration of β-cells.

Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging assays, where the ethanolic extract (EESS) showed the strongest antioxidant effect among the extracts, though weaker than standard antioxidants. GC-MS analysis identified several bioactive compounds, notably palmitic acid and related fatty acid derivatives, which may contribute to the observed biological effects.

In vitro antidiabetic tests demonstrated that the extracts inhibited α-glucosidase, helping reduce glucose absorption, though less effectively than standard drugs. Acute toxicity studies confirmed the extract’s safety at high doses.

Conclusion

In this study, we used a method called GC-MS to identify the natural chemical compounds in the leaves, stems, and roots of S. suaveolens. We tested extracts made using methanol and isopropyl alcohol. A total of 69 chemical compounds were found in these extracts. Some of the key compounds identified—such as 3,5-Dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran-4- one, Squalene, Phytol, Vitamin E, and others—are likely responsible for the plant’s antioxidant properties Finding new medicines to treat diabetes is very important to make treatment safer and more effective. Natural substances that act as antioxidants and block certain enzymes that break down carbohydrates are becoming more popular in managing diabetes. However, there isn’t much scientific information available about the health benefits of the root extract of Spermadicyton suaveolens. That’s why we decided to study how well this plant extract can fight harmful molecules (antioxidant activity) and block the enzyme ?-amylase, which helps digest carbohydrates.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Sonwalkar Vaishnavi Shivaji, Pise Snehal Suresh, Pimple Asmita Kushappa, Khade Jotsana Dattu. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.