Biologicalactivities of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino

Gynostemma pentaphyllum Thunb. Makino is a common folk herb used in the treatment of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular, cancer… [1]. This research was conducted to evaluate some bioactivities of the plant such as antioxidant, antimicrobial activity, α-glucosidase and lipase inhibition. Results showed that the ethanol extract of G. pentaphyllum is more active than the folk medicine-aqueous extract. The antimicrobial activity by measuring the zone of inhibition, showed strongest inhibition to Pseudomonas (d = 6,670 mm); the antioxidant activity of ethanol extract tested by DPPH method showed IC50 = 0.317 mg/mL; the ethanol extract also showed outstanding α-glucosidase inhibition activities with IC50 = 0.181 mg/mL and lipase inhibition activity with IC50 = 2.968 mg/mL. The ethanol extract of G. pentaphyll contained active substance groups such as phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins. This research has proved the potential of G. pentaphyllum ethanol extract as a source of valuable medicine in the treatment of common diseases nowadays.