Chayomed: Pharmacotheraputic Potential of Chayote (Sechium Edule) Peel Extract on Diabetes Mellitus and its Cancer Chemoprevention Property

Abstract

Recent statistics from the World Health Organization indicate that noncommunicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes mellitus remain major global health challenges, with cancer responsible for an estimated 9.7 million deaths worldwide in 2022 and diabetes directly causing about 1.6 million deaths in 2021, while also contributing to millions more through cardiovascular complications [18,19]. This study aims to determine the phytochemical, anti-angiogenic, and anti-hyperglycemic potential of Chayote (Sechium edule) peel extract. Ethanolic peel extract was subjected to phytochemical screening and tested for cytotoxicity, angiosuppressive activity, and blood glucose reduction. Secondary metabolites screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, and tannins, which possess known anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory actions. Test for angiosuppressive activity using the Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) assay revealed a significant anti-angiogenic property at 25%, 50%, and 75% concentrations of the S. edule peel extract with all inhibiting the growth of blood vessels. These results were comparable to the positive control, methotrexate. The Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay revealed an LC50 value of 505.14 μg/mL. Since this value is greater than 100 μg/mL which indicates that the extract maybe non-toxic to human cells. Analysis of glycemic activity showed that the extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels in mice, particularly at 200 µg/mL, which performed at par with the positive control. The results proved that S. edule peel extract exhibits promising phytonutraceutical, anti-angiogenic, and anti-diabetic properties, representing a potential novel approach for cancer prevention and diabetes management. Isolation of potent bioactive compounds responsible for the aforementioned claims should be done as well as in vivo testing should be conducted to further validate the results of the study.