<i>In vitro</i> Biological Evaluation and <i>in vivo</i> Anti-inflammatory Effect of Chicozapote ( <i>Manilkara zapota</i> (L.) P. Royen) Leaf Extracts in Mice with Internal Atrial Edema

Background In Mexico, the fruit of the Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen (Chicozapote) tree is widely consumed; however, numerous studies have identified bioactive compounds within its leaves. Objectives To evaluate the bioactive properties of M. zapota leaf extracts, focusing on their antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertensive potentials, and assessing their efficacy in mitigating inflammation. Materials and Methods This study evaluated the antioxidant properties of aqueous (AE), ethanolic (EE), and hydroalcoholic (HE) extracts, utilizing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Anti-diabetic activity was assessed by inhibiting the enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase, while anti-hypertensive efficacy was measured via angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition. The anti-inflammatory potential was also examined in vivo using a murine model of 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced ear edema. Results The DPPH assay revealed that all extracts exhibited equivalent antioxidant capacities at the same concentration, with no significant statistical difference ( p &lt; 0.05). Conversely, the ABTS assay demonstrated that AE possessed superior activity (4.6−28.5%) across varying concentrations. EE exhibited the most potent inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and ACE, with 81.8%, 58.9%, and 87.8%, respectively. In anti-inflammatory assays, EE at a 5 mg dosage significantly outperformed other extracts. Conclusion These findings suggest that M. zapota leaf extracts, mainly through EE, could offer a viable natural alternative for reducing inflammation and potentially managing diabetes and hypertension.