INVESTIGATIONS ON THE PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF AJUGA BRACTEOSA EXTRACTS: ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, GLUCOSE METABOLISM, NEUROPROTECTION AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION.

The study evaluated the phytochemical profiles and pharmacological activities of Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex Benth. Leaf extracts, ABME-L (methanolic extract) and ABWE-L (aqueous extract), revealing their potential for therapeutic applications. While alkaloids, glycosides, and saponins were only found in ABME-L, demonstrating methanol's greater extraction effectiveness, phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, carbohydrates, flavonoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, proteins, and tannins in both extracts. ABME-L exhibited higher total phenolic content (379.74 mg GAE/g) than ABWE-L (288.95 mg GAE/g), suggesting greater antioxidant potential. Glucose utilization and DPP-4 inhibition assays demonstrated the antidiabetic activity of both extracts, with ABME-L showing higher efficacy. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were lowered by ABME-L and ABWE-L in a dose-dependent manner, with notable effects at higher concentrations. ABME-L showed greater neuroprotective potential by lowering ROS levels induced by H₂O₂. These findings indicate the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties of ABME-L and ABWE-L, supporting further exploration of their pharmacological applications and active constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]