~ 198 ~ Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2013; 2 (4): 198-201 ISSN 2278-4136 ISSN 2349-8234 JPP 2013; 2 (4): 198-201 © 2013 AkiNik Publications Received: 18-10-2013 Accepted: 29-10-2013 P.R.D Perera Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura S. Ekanayake Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura K.K.D.S. Ranaweera Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura Correspondence: P.R.D Perera Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura Email: rupika.perera@yahoo.com In vitro study on antiglycation activity, antioxidant activity and phenolic content of Osbeckia octandra L. leaf decoction P.R.D Perera, S. Ekanayake, K.K.D.S. Ranaweera ABSTRACT Non enzymatic glycation is the major cause of spontaneous damage to proteins leading to various complications due to formation of non-reversible Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) and oxidative stress. Medicinal plants having both antiglycation and antioxidant activities may have good therapeutic potential in the treatment of diabetic mellitus. The present study was undertaken to investigate the antiglycation effect, antioxidant activity and phenolic content of Osbeckia octandra leaf decoction used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in Ayurvedic medicine. The water extracts of three samples of Osbeckia octandra leaves from three different areas had significant anti-glycation activity (23.0 μg/mL, 25.2 μg/mL, 28.5 μg/mL), ABTS antioxidant activity (1375, 794, 1231 TEAC mmol/g) and DPPH activity (55.5 μg/mL, 97.7 μg/mL, and 98.4 μg/mL). Total phenolic content ranged from 483-667 mg/GAE/g. Keywords: Antiglycation activity, antioxidant activity, ABTS antioxidant activity, DPPH activity, Phenolic content. 1. Introduction Glycation is the key molecular basis of several diabetic complications like diabetes retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and some cardiovascular diseases. This is a non enzymatic reaction between amino groups of proteins and carbonyl groups of reducing sugars forming florescent, insoluble Advanced Glycation End Products that accumulate on long lived proteins thus compromising the physiological functions [1] . The reaction is sub divided into three stages as early, intermediate and late. In early stage unstable Schiff base forms and through acid base catalysis this compound undergoes further rearrangement to a more stable Amadori product [2] and via dehydration, oxidation and other chemical reactions degrades to more reactive carbonyl compounds and they act as propagators of the reaction again reacting with more free amino groups of biomolecules. In the late stage Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) [3] are formed. The formation of AGEs progressively increases with normal aging and is accelerated in diabetes [4] . Various studies have shown that diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased production of free radicals leading to oxidative stress. Thus disturbed balance between radical formation and radical neutralization leads to oxidative damage of cell components such as proteins, lipids and nucleic acids [5] . Oxidation plays an important role in the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products and the Plants derived agents with the antiglycation and antioxidant activities are highly important in preventing diabetic complications. Osbeckia octandra is a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Several studies have proven its hepatoprotective activity and further the plant is reported to possess antidiabetic activity [6] . The water extract of Osbeckia octandra significantly lowered the fasting glucose level and markedly improved glucose tolerance in Sprague-Dawley rats and the maximum hypoglycemic activity was observed after 3 hours [7] . Over the last few decades the reputation of herbal remedies has increased globally due to its therapeutic efficacy, safety, minimal adverse effects and low cost.