Free radicals and enzymes inhibitory potentials of the traditional medicinal plant Echium angustifolium

Introduction: Herbal medicine has been useful in the treatment of various diseases and has played a critical role in the discovery of new drugs. This study aimed to investigate the phytoconstituents, antioxidant, antidiabetic and antiobesity activities of the traditional medicinal plant, Echium angustifolium Mill. Methods: The constituents of E.angustifolium four solvents fractions were established utilizing conventional analytical methods. Antioxidant, antilipase, anti-glucosidase, and anti-α-amylase activities of E. angustifolium were conducted using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl α), p-nitrophenyl butyrate, P-NPG (4-nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside), and dinitrosalicylic acid procedures, respectively. Results: The methanolic fraction of E. angustifolium displayed inherent antioxidant properties with an IC₅₀ value of 1.95 μg/mL. Moreover, the hexane fraction presented potential α-amylase inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 92.89 μg/mL. Additionally, the aqueous fraction had the highest anti-lipase activity with an IC₅₀ value of 24.54 μg/mL. Conclusion: It can be concluded that E. angustifolium has high potential for development as an alternative approach for oxidative stress, diabetes, and obesity.