GC-MS analysis of n-hexane extract of Fagonia indica Burm.f. with hypoglycaemic potential

The present study was aimed at gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical investigation of n-hexane extract of the aerial parts of Fagonia indica to identify hypoglycaemic compounds. Also, to investigate this extract for lactase enzyme inhibition responsible for hypoglycaemic activity. Phytochemical screening, GC-MS analysis and lactase inhibition of n-hexane extract was performed by the standard methods. GC-MS analytical study identified 15 compounds in this extract. The maximum percentage of lactase enzyme inhibition of n-hexane extract was 26.21 +/- 1.25% (IC50 value of 311.2 +/- 16.09 mu g/mL) at 100 mu g/mL concentration. The standard acarbose showed lactase inhibition of 63.21 +/- 0.92% (IC50 value of 32.51 +/- 0.85 mu g/mL) at the same concentration. n-Hexane extract can be a potential source in the management of diabetes due to the presence of biologically active hypoglycaemic compounds.