<i>Baphia longipedicellata</i> exhibits antidiabetic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities: <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> studies

Abstract Background Baphia longipedicellata (BL) is a traditional medicinal plant native to south-western Africa, widely used for its antidiabetic and anticancer properties, which suggest its potential for modern therapeutic development. Objectives This study aimed to assess the antidiabetic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective potentials of BL in rats. Methods Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous leaf extracts was performed to identify the solvent that produces the highest concentration of bioactive compounds. Both methanol and aqueous extracts showed rich phytochemical profiles; therefore, a hydromethanolic extract of BL (HMBL) was chosen for further pharmacological evaluation. Acute oral toxicity was tested in mice. Antidiabetic activity was assessed in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (150 mg/kg i.p.) using glibenclamide (5 mg/kg p.o.) as the positive control. HMBL was administered at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 28 days, with blood glucose levels monitored weekly. On Day 28, animals were euthanized, and samples were collected for biochemical and haematological analyses. Additionally, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities were examined in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury model. Results Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, deoxy-sugars, and anthraquinones. The LD50 of HMBL exceeded 2000 mg/kg. HMBL significantly reduced blood glucose levels by 83%, 88%, and 89% in the respective groups. It also demonstrated potent dose-dependent antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects by restoring elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin levels in rats treated with CCl₄. Conclusions HMBL exhibits notable antidiabetic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects.