Stability and Bioactivity of Abelmoschus sagittifolius Extracts Following In Vitro Digestion

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Food Science
• Phytochemistry and Bioactivity Analysis

Background:

• Functional foods require evaluation of biological activities post-digestion.
• Abelmoschus sagittifolius is a plant with potential health benefits.
• In vitro digestion models are crucial for assessing food efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of in vitro digestion on Abelmoschus sagittifolius extracts.
• To evaluate antioxidant, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic properties of different plant parts.
• To identify potential functional food applications of Abelmoschus sagittifolius.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of various Abelmoschus sagittifolius extracts (tuber, root, flower, leaf, fruit).
• Assessment of antioxidant, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibitory activities.
• Evaluation of cytotoxic effects on K562, U937, and THP1 cell lines.
• Simulated in vitro digestion of extracts.
• Phytochemical analysis of key constituents.

Main Results:

• Leaf extracts showed highest antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibition before digestion.
• Fruit extracts exhibited maximum α-amylase inhibition and cytotoxicity.
• In vitro digestion generally reduced observed bioactivities.
• Tuber extracts demonstrated increased cytotoxicity and retained α-amylase inhibition post-digestion.
• Phytochemicals like phenolics and flavonoids in tuber extracts may contribute to preserved activity.

Conclusions:

• Abelmoschus sagittifolius tuber exhibits promising properties for functional foods, particularly for myeloid leukemia and metabolic disorders.
• The synergistic interaction of phytochemicals in the tuber may explain its enhanced post-digestion bioactivity.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the therapeutic potential of Abelmoschus sagittifolius.