Author: Piu Sasmal, Dr. Abha Kumari & Dr. Kamal Kant Patra
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03010011
Abstract: This study investigates the fatty acid composition and in vitro biological activities—specifically anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties—of Vicia faba (broad bean) seed extracts collected from East Medinipur, West Bengal. Non-polar solvent extraction using hexane and petroleum ether was employed, followed by derivatization to fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and analysis via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The fatty acid profile revealed a predominance of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), particularly linoleic acid (C18:2, n-6) and oleic acid (C18:1, n-9), alongside palmitic acid (C16:0) as the dominant saturated fatty acid (SFA). The total UFA content was 72.70% in hexane extract and 71.75% in petroleum ether extract, underscoring the nutritional richness of Vicia faba seeds. The anti-diabetic potential was evaluated through α-amylase inhibitory assays. The hexane and petroleum ether extracts demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition, with IC₅₀ values of 412.3 ± 15.5 µg/mL and 458.7 ± 18.2 µg/mL, respectively. Although less potent than the standard inhibitor Acarbose (IC₅₀ = 21.5 ± 0.8 µg/mL), the results indicate the presence of bioactive compounds capable of modulating carbohydrate digestion and post-prandial glucose levels. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of the extracts was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent scavenging activity, with the hexane extract showing a slightly stronger effect (IC₅₀ = 175.2 ± 6.1 µg/mL) than the petroleum ether extract (IC₅₀ = 192.5 ± 7.8 µg/mL), albeit lower than that of ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ = 9.5 ± 0.3 µg/mL). Overall, the findings highlight Vicia faba seeds as a valuable source of essential fatty acids with moderate anti-diabetic and antioxidant potential. These attributes support their inclusion in functional foods or the development of nutraceutical formulations aimed at managing oxidative stress and glucose metabolism disorders.
Keywords: Vicia Faba, Fatty Acid Profiling, Alpha-Amylase Inhibition, Antioxidant Activity, HealthPromoting Effects.
Page No: 94-110