Chemical profiling and pharmacological properties of Arbutus unedo L. collected from Morocco

Arbutus unedo L. plant is traditionally used in Morocco to treat various ailments, in particular diabetes. The goal of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological potential of Arbutus unedo fruit and flower extracts in addressing postprandial hyperglycemia and inflammation by inhibiting of digestive enzymes and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It also aims to identify the bioactive compounds linked to these effects. Therefore, the present study assessed the anti-hyperglycemic potential of Arbutus unedo fruit and flower extracts via inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase both in vitro and in vivo in normoglycemic rats, while anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated via erythrocyte membrane stabilization and protein denaturation inhibition. Bioactive compounds were identified using GC-MS and their molecular interactions were examined through docking studies. The outcomes of this research showed that the fruit extract, containing high levels of quinic acid (33.22%) and azulene (19.01%), displayed stronger anti-inflammatory activity than the flower extract. Notably, the ethanolic fruit extract exhibited potent α-amylase inhibition (p <0.001). The methanolic fruit extract showed high in vivo α-glucosidase inhibition compared to acarbose. Molecular docking revealed that a novel compound isolated from the fruit, (5E)-5-benzylidene-3-[(2-methoxyanilino)methyl]-1,3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione, had high binding affinity for both digestive enzymes.These findings position Arbutus unedo fruit as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for glycemic control and inflammation.