Phytochemical profiling and anti-diabetic study of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Swietenia macrophylla King

Diabetes mellitus represents a persistent metabolic challenge, exerting substantial health and economic strains on communities. Given the limitations associated with existing medications, exploring alternative therapeutic approaches becomes imperative to alleviate this global burden. Herbal drugs are ideal candidates for treatment of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic potential of the hydro-alcoholic leaf extract of Swietenia macrophylla (HASM) through phytochemical, in vitro, and in vivo evaluations. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins, and phenolic compounds. GC-MS analysis identified nine major bioactive constituents. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride colorimetric assays and found to be 30.72 mg/g gallic acid equivalent and 34.05 mg/g quercetin equivalent, respectively. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. HASM also demonstrated significant inhibition of α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 75.69 ± 1.02 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 107.11 ± 1.22 μg/mL) enzymes. In vivo studies were conducted in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (60 mg/kg, i. p.), with oral administration of HASM (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 21 days. Treated rats showed improved oral glucose tolerance, significant reductions in blood glucose levels, improved body weight, lipid profile, and liver and kidney function markers. Histopathological examination of pancreatic tissues revealed restoration of islet architecture and signs of β-cell regeneration. These findings support the utility of HASM as potential herbal remedy for diabetes and its complications. However, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and explore its clinical applications.