The present study reports the isolation and characterization
of bergapten, a furocoumarin, as a major constituent in the root bark of Ficus exasperata, as well as its
hypoglycemic activity. Despite the wide ethnomedicinal applications of Ficus exasperata, little is known about
the active principles responsible for the observed biological effects, thus
limiting opportunities for further therapeutic applications. Phytochemical
investigation of extracts from the genus Ficus revealed the presence of several
bioactive secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic
acids, steroids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and coumarins. The
bioassay-guided chemical investigation of F. exasperata root bark resulted in
the isolation of a furocoumarin (D-1), which was shown to be partly responsible
for the acclaimed anti-diabetic effect of the plant. It is thus research-worthy
to unravel the precise mechanism of action of the molecule as a hypoglycemic
agent, followed by rational structural modification to optimize it for potency
and safety.
Author(s) Details
O. E. Famobuwa
Department of Chemistry, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo,
Nigeria.
A. A. Agbowuro
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Jos, Nigeria.
E. A. Adekunbi
Department of Chemistry, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Nigeria.
M. A. Akinwale
Department of Chemistry, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Nigeria.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rdcbr/v5/339
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