Unlocking the phytochemical contents and therapeutic potential of Litsea monopetala leaves: Hypoglycemic and antibacterial activities

Litsea monopetala (LM), and bark are applied externally to treat swelling, bruises, skin infections, and inflammatory conditions. Occasionally, leave decoctions are used as topical washes or mild teas for digestive ailments and fever; however, internal use remains limited and guided by local knowledge. This study aimed to scientifically validate these traditional uses by assessing the hypoglycemic and antibacterial properties of LM leaves. Methanolic extracts were prepared via cold extraction and analyzed through standard phytochemical techniques and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, revealing a high concentration of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Oral Glucose Tolerance Tests in mice showed that both 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg doses significantly reduced blood glucose levels, with the higher dose yielding effects comparable to glibenclamide. In alloxan-induced diabetic mice, blood glucose levels dropped from 240.90 ± 6.16–145.17 ± 4.19 mg/dL by day 7 (p < 0.01). In normal mice, the 500 mg/kg dose also caused a significant reduction (p < 0.01). Antibacterial activity, evaluated using the disc diffusion method, revealed inhibition zones of 10–21 mm at a 400-μg dose, with carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction, chloroform soluble fraction, and ethyl acetate soluble fraction fractions demonstrating significantly stronger effects (p < 0.05). These findings support the traditional use of LM and suggest potential for its development into hypoglycemic and antimicrobial agents. The results support the traditional use of LM leaves, highlighting strong hypoglycemic and antibacterial potential. These effects are likely linked to rich phenolic and flavonoid content, indicating promise for future therapeutic applications. • Litsea monopetala leaves extract lowers blood glucose in diabetic and normoglycemic mice. • Methanolic extract shows antibacterial activity (10–21 mm inhibition zones). • Phenolic and flavonoid compounds identified as dominant constituents. • Dose-dependent hypoglycemic effect comparable to glibenclamide at 500 mg/kg. • Antibacterial efficacy correlates with phenolic and flavonoid content.