Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties of Fig (Ficus capensis) and Ackee (Blighia sapida) Leaves Extract

• B.A. Arowolo

  Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

  Author

• A.A. Badejo

  Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

  Author

• O.S. Ijarotimi

  Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

  Author

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) continues to pose a significant global public health challenge, with its prevalence steadily increasing worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the phenolic profiles of fig (Ficus capensis) and ackee (Blighia sapida) leaf extracts and its enzyme inhibitory activity. The phenolic content was analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), while the extracts were evaluated for antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL) activities. The results revealed high concentrations of myricetin in fig leaves sample (172.56±0.1.36a µg/g), significant α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities and strong antioxidant properties. Notably, the 50:50 combination of fig and ackee extracts exhibited the most pronounced therapeutic effects, indicating its potential as a functional ingredient in diabetes management. These findings underscore the potential of these plant extracts as adjunctive therapies for DM.

1. B.A. Arowolo, Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

   Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Teaching Hospital, Ondo State, Nigeria.

2. A.A. Badejo, Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

   Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

3. O.S. Ijarotimi, Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

   Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

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