Exploring Diospyros celebica Bakh. As a Natural Antidiabetic Agent: Phytochemistry, Antioxidant Activity, and Computational Antidiabetic Insights using Target Enzyme

Diospyros celebica Bakh. (ebony) leaves are traditionally used by the Kaili community of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia for diabetes wound healing and antidiabetic therapy, but much of the medicinal potential remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity, and predict compounds with antidiabetic potential. Phytochemical screening was qualitatively performed to identify the presence of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and steroids. Quantitative analysis of tannins, total phenolics, and flavonoids was conducted using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Antioxidant activity was measured using the UV-Vis-DPPH method, while antidiabetic activity was predicted using molecular docking methods. The 70% ethanol extract of D. celebica Bakh. leaves contained flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols, with concentrations of 2.201 mg QE/g extract, 265.184 mg TAE/g extract, and 285.234 mg GAE/g extract, respectively. Antioxidant activity was recorded with an IC50 value of 69.729 ppm, and antidiabetic potential prediction showed that the compound 3-(4-Ethylphenoxy)-4-oxo-4H-chromen-7-yl 2-furoate, with a binding energy of -10.78 kcal/mol, could inhibit the Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) enzyme. Other three compounds were identified as inhibitors of the α-glucosidase enzyme, namely kaempferol 3-(2"-galloylglucoside) (binding energy -9.613 kcal/mol), rutin (binding energy -8.828 kcal/mol), and Xylopyrin (binding energy -8.502 kcal/mol). kaempferol-3-(2"-galloylglucoside) presented an LD50 value of >5000 mg/kg categorized into non-toxic classification (class VI), without hepatotoxic properties. These results suggest that D. celebica Bakh possesses significant antioxidant properties and the potential for development as an antidiabetic drug candidates.