Antioxidant and inhibitory activities of enzymes linked to type II diabetes mellitus: The novel role of chrysobalanus orbicularis leaf extract

Abstract

Background: Chrysobalanus orbicularis is commonly used as food, the seeds as a spice for the popular pepper soup, and the leaves are traditionally utilized for managing Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Due to the limited scientific evidence on C. orbicularis, this study investigated its antioxidant and inhibitory properties against major enzymes linked to T2DM. Methods: The antioxidant activity was measured via methods for possible scavenging potentials. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were examined using a standard model. Results: The C. orbicularis aqueous leaf extract compared well with the standard compounds, revealing the high antioxidant and inhibitory properties against α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Conclusion: The findings validate the conventional application of C. orbicularis in the treatment of patients with type II diabetes mellitus and other oxidative stress-related disorders.