Physicochemical characterization, phytochemical analysis, and pharmacological evaluation of Sambucus wightiana

Sambucus wightiana (SW) is a 4–5-foot herbaceous stem with 5–9 leaflets and pinnatifid leaves (15–30 cm). It is used to treat stomach disorders, as an emetic for expelling poisonous substances, and as a laxative for controlling skin diseases. Phytochemical research based on ethnopharmacological knowledge is frequently regarded as an appropriate approach for discovering new agents from higher-altitude plants. Therefore, the present study focussed on identifying, collecting, and authenticating the S. wightiana and, isolating and characterizing the phytoconstituents using the DPPH method, reducing power, total flavonoid, phenolic content, anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the evaluation of antidiabetic studies of extracts/fraction and pure phytoconstituents of S. wightiana in alloxan-induced diabetic model and OGTT methods were carried out. The observed results revealed that the methanolic extract of Sambucus wightiana has significant anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidant activity. The methanolic extracts of S. wightiana, a dose of alloxan/SW-400 mg/Kg (111.55 ± 6.9 mg/dl) also decreased significantly the serum ALP level (p < 0.05). The methanol extracts of S. wightiana showed highly significant anti-hyperglycemic activity (p < 0.05). From the methanolic extracts, alloxan/SW-400 mg/Kg (89.55 ± 2.5 mg/dl) showed highly significant decrease in serum LDL level (p < 0.05) in extract-treated groups, not changing the body weight substantially and methanolic extract of S. wightiana at a dose of 400 mg/Kg exhibited substantial lipid, and blood glucose levels and liver enzymes lowering capacity compared to the diabetic control group. Consequently, the prevention of hyperglycaemia by various other drugs, S. wightiana could contribute to a new formulation with significant pharmacological effects.