Abstract:
This research studied the extraction of selected ferns such as Paco (Diplazium esculentum
(Retz.) Sw.), Clover Fern (Marsilea crenata Presl.) and Oak-leaf Fern (Dlynaria
quercfolia (L.) J. Sm.). Three ferns were extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol
respectivelyusing maceration and soxhlet extraction. The fern extracts were studied for
their a-glucosidase inhibition activity by UV/Vis absorbance spectrophotometer microplate
reader using Acarbose as a positive control. a-Glucosidase inhibitors were used in the
treatment of non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The results showed that the extracts
in ethyl acetate from Clover fern using soxhlet extraction gave the most a-glucosidase
inhibition with the percentage inhibition of 98.57%. Whereas the extracts from Paco in
ethyl acetate using maceration method showed the highest inhibition compared to the
extracts from Oak-leaf fern and Clover fern. The values are 96.73 % and 67.89%,
respectively. The results were compared to standard Acarbose, which exhibited 84.87 %
inhibition at the concentration of 1.0 mglml. It is of interest that ferns should be further
studied for treatment of diabetes mellitus (type 11) as the glucosidase inhibitor and the
lowering of blood glucose level. This observation will provide the basis for future
examination of a medical supplement for the diabete prevention and support for
phytochemical data of fern extracts.