Abstract
Enicotemma littorale (EL) Blume (commonly known as chota chirayata) is a traditional medicinal plant, belongs to family Gentianaceae. In traditional and Ayurvedic system of medicine, it is used in the treatment of various human disorders including diabetes, malaria, and fever. Hence, the present work aimed to carry out phytochemical analysis, physicochemical standardization, and antidiabetic efficacy of EL. The samples of EL were collected from various geographical regions, including Madhya Pradesh (MP), Rajasthan (RAJ), and Uttarakhand (UA) and coded as EL/SGTC/MP, EL/SSH/RAJ, and EL/SSH/UA, respectively. The phytochemical analysis, physicochemical standardization, and quantification of swertiamarin by high-performance thin-layer chromatography assay was performed, which could help in rapid identification and selection of the active components from different kinds of adulterants. Based on pharmacognostical evaluation, physicochemical standardization, and the presence of the highest amount of swertiamarin, the sample collected from UA, India, was selected for antidiabetic efficacy in rats. The methanolic extract of EL was found to reduce the blood glucose levels in rats and hence can be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. These data and observations suggested the potential of EL in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.