Investigation of hypoglycemic and antidiarrheal activity on mice model and in vitro anthelmintic study of Macropanax dispermus (Blume) Kuntze (Araliaceae): a promising ethnomedicinal plant

Introduction: Macropanax dispermus is an ethnomedicinal plant, which has been shown to have pharmacological effects against inflammation. Inflammation is also associated with diabetic-related complications. In addition, the indigenous people used this plant to cure numerous digestive system disorders. These ethnomedicinal uses have inspired the current research to focus on determining the biological potential of the crude methanol extract of its leaves (MDML) and stem barks (MDMS) against morbid diseases such as diarrhea, helminthiasis, and diabetes mellitus related to hyperglycemia. This study also identified the functional groups present in MDML which could correlate the presence of different phytochemicals responsible for biological activities. Methods: The hypoglycemic activity and antidiarrheal tests were done on Swiss albino mice through an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and castor-oil-induced diarrhea, respectively. The anthelmintic test was done in vitro on Pheretima posthuma. The functional groups were identified by using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results: Here, MDML at ۴۰۰ mg/kg exhibited a significant (P<۰.۰۵) hypoglycemic activity as well as decreased diarrheal drops significantly (P<۰.۰۰۱) when compared to the control group. Additionally, MDMS showed a concentration-dependent significant effect as a prospective anthelmintic agent. The FTIR spectra demonstrated the presence of different functional groups, which might contribute to the presence of flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and other related compounds. Conclusion: The present research demonstrated that MDML and MDMS might be effective interventions for treating hyperglycemia, diarrhea, and helminthiasis.