Identification of Epicatechin Gallate and Other Phytochemicals in Methanol Extract of Fresh and Dried Star-Fruits (Averrhoa carambola Linn.) for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

From an in-silico study, Averrhoa carambola L. (star fruit) contains epicatechin gallate (ECG), which has a similar effect to Sodium-glucose co transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. This study aimed to identify ECG and other phytochemicals in methanol extracts of fresh and dried star fruits. Ripened star-fruits (RSFs) were divided into two parts: directly extracted using methanol, while the other was dried and were then extracted using methanol. ECG and phytochemicals were identified using GC-MS, LC-MS and spectrophotometer. The yield of fresh RSFs extract was approximately double than that of dried RSFs extract. 4H-Pyran-4-one,2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-was the highest phytochemicals in fresh RSFs extract whereas dried RSFs extract had glycerine. However, extract of dried RSFs had higher ECG levels than that of fresh RSFs (p=0.002). In conclusion, methanol extract of dried RSFs has higher ECG levels and different phytochemicals than fresh RSFs, which potentially become a diabetes herbal drug for an SGLT2 inhibitor.