In Vitro evaluation of the antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of leaves extracts from Ambrosia arborescens, Buddleja incana, Aloysia citrodora, and Prunus serotina

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affecting many people in the world. The main symptom of diabetes is high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), which triggers an imbalance in the body, producing secondary pathologies associated with oxidative stress generated by this metabolic disorder. Objective: This research evaluated the antioxidant and hypoglycemic capacity of Ambrosia arborescens, Buddleja incana, Aloysia citrodora, and Prunus serotina ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts. Methods: The phytochemical profile of each plant species was characterized through qualitative tests to determine the presence or absence of metabolites such as alkaloids, phenols, triterpenes, and flavonoids. Quantitative determinations of total phenols and flavonoid content were also conducted. The free radical scavenging assay with 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazil (DPPH) evaluated the antioxidant capacity. The hypoglycemic capacity was performed by quantifying the inhibition capacity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Results: All extracts showed a high concentration of phenols and flavonoids. Likewise, all extracts exhibited enzymatic inhibition at different concentrations, with 500 µg/mL showing the highest inhibitory effect. Additionally, the ethanolic extract of A. arborescens demonstrated the most excellent hypoglycemic capacity among all the extracts analyzed. Conclusion: The results of this study can serve as a basis for future research focused on utilizing medicinal plants to develop pharmaceutical formulations as an alternative treatment for hyperglycemia associated with diabetes.