In Vitro Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Potential of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC

Background: Diabetes mellitus is closely linked to oxidative stress and elevated postprandial glucose levels. Plant-derived phytochemicals with antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory properties offer safer alternatives for managing hyperglycemia. Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC., traditionally used for metabolic disorders, remains insufficiently explored for its antidiabetic potential.Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant activity and in-vitro antidiabetic effects of the ethanolic leaf extract of Glycosmis pentaphylla.Methods: The extract was subjected to phytochemical screening, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) estimation. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical-scavenging and reducing-power assays. Antidiabetic activity was determined through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, and IC₅₀ values were calculated.Results: The extract showed notable phenolic and flavonoid levels (TPC: 28.91 ± 1.02 mg GAE/g; TFC: 20.46 ± 0.49 mg QE/g). Strong antioxidant activity was observed, with DPPH radical-scavenging (IC₅₀: 42.39 µg/mL) and a marked dose-dependent increase in reducing power. Significant α-amylase (IC₅₀: 69.86 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀: 80.41 µg/mL) were also recorded compared with the standard.Conclusion: The ethanolic leaf extract of G. pentaphylla exhibits strong antioxidant and carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzyme inhibitory properties, supporting its potential as a natural antidiabetic agent.