Fatty Acids Component of Essential Oil from Alchornea Cordifolia Modulated Activities of α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Involved in Postprandial Hyperglycaemia

Objectives Essential oils are well-known important natural components in cosmetics and perfumery products because of their rich antioxidant sources. Recently, studies have focused more on their pharmacological activities, including antidiabetic activity. The present study focused on the antioxidant and modulatory activities of the fatty acids’ component of essential oil from Alchornea cordifolia seed on key enzymes involved in postprandial hyperglycaemia. Material and Methods Extraction was carried out via hydro-distillation, and chemical components of the oil were profiled by gas chromatography-spectroscopy. Antioxidant activity, which employs 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic (ABTS) acid scavenging assays, as well as the modulatory potential of the oil for α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, were investigated at concentrations of 10-50 mg/mL. Results An oil yield of 0.38% was obtained by the end of extraction, comprising twenty-six (26) chemical constituents, with over 40% primarily being fatty acids. 9,12-Octadecadienoic (49.35%) and n-Hexadecanoic (29.74%) acids constituted the most predominant fatty acids of the oil and facilitated the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, with the highest enzyme inhibition at 50 mg/mL. The fatty acids also contributed significantly (p < 0.05) to the dose-dependent antioxidant activity of the oil against DPPH and ABTS radicals. Conclusion Essential oil from Alchornea cordifolia seed demonstrated antioxidant activity and modulated the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, primarily involved in postprandial hyperglycaemia. The essential oil’s fatty acids component, particularly 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, enabled these actions. Thus, this component of the essential oil could serve as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants and as a potential candidate in the development of new drugs to regulate blood sugar.