Bioactivity-guided fractionation and identification of bioactive compounds from Corchorus olitorius L. leaf powders: effect on GLUT4 translocation

Abstract The management of type 2 diabetes through powdered leaves of Corchorus olitorius , commonly consumed and rich in bioactive compounds, is increasingly observed within populations. The objective of this study was to identify the bioactive compounds in extracts from powdered leaves of C. olitorius that enhance GLUT4 translocation. To this end, GLUT4 translocation activities at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/ml, as well as the identification of chemical compounds via LC/MS–MS from extracts obtained using a solvent mixture (Water/Ethanol: 3/7 v/v) after harvesting and grinding the leaves of C. olitorius , were conducted. The chemical structures, concentrations, and activity durations of the compounds of interest were determined following a bio-guided fractionation of the most active extracts. The results indicate that the extract at 200 µg/ml significantly increases the amount of GLUT4 translocated (86.39 ± 2.38% Insulin on average) and contains predominant bioactive compounds belonging to the flavonoid family, characterized by chemical structures of quercetin (quercetin 3-O-(6"-acetyl-glucoside)) and quinic acid (3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid). The activity duration and concentration of the compounds have a highly significant influence on the increase in GLUT4 levels. Notably, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid exhibits the most substantial increase in GLUT4 levels (116.00 ± 3.00% Insulin) after only 10 min of activity at a concentration of 50 µg/ml. These compounds may contribute to a rapid reduction in postprandial blood glucose levels in diabetic patients who regularly consume C. olitorius leaf powder. Graphical Abstract