Exploring Ctenolepis garcinii as a natural anti-diabetic agent: A phytochemical, biochemical and molecular docking approach

Diabetes mellitus is a major global health challenge, and plant-derived bioactive compounds offer promising therapeutic alternatives. Ctenolepis garcinii is traditionally used in ethnomedicine, but its anti-diabetic potential has not been systematically validated. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical parameters, phytochemical constituents, fluorescence characteristics, flavonoid profiling, in vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity, and molecular docking interactions of Ctenolepis garcinii. Physicochemical analysis included determination of moisture content, ash values, and extractive values. Quantitative phytochemical screening measured flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenols, crude fiber, ash, and pectic substances. Fluorescence analysis of powdered samples was performed using chemical reagents under visible and UV light. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) identified flavonoids using quercetin and rutin as standards. In vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity was assessed by the DNSA method at concentrations 100–500 µg/ml, with acarbose as standard. Molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding affinity of rutin with human pancreatic α-amylase (PDB: 1B2Y). Physicochemical analysis showed moisture content 1.97% and total ash 32%, reflecting mineral richness. Phytochemical screening revealed high amounts of tannins (32.4%), pectic substances (23.8%), saponins (16.5%), and flavonoids (10.2%). Fluorescence analysis provided distinct diagnostic features under different reagents. TLC confirmed the presence of flavonoids with Rf values comparable to quercetin (0.85) and rutin (0.65). In vitro α-amylase inhibition was dose-dependent, with 87.0 ± 2.10% inhibition at 500 µg/ml, nearly equivalent to acarbose (92.41 ± 0.81%). Molecular docking showed rutin exhibited strong binding affinity (-8.80 kcal/mol) with α-amylase, forming interactions with critical residues (Gly306, His305, Tyr151, Asp300, etc.). Ctenolepis garcinii exhibits significant anti-diabetic potential, attributable to its rich flavonoid and tannin content. The combination of in vitro and in silico findings supports its inhibitory effect on carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, validating its ethnomedicinal use. Further in vivo and clinical studies are recommended to establish its therapeutic efficacy and safety.