In vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase Inhibition, Antioxidant and GC-MS Profiling of Ziziphus oenoplia

Ziziphus oenoplia (L.) Mill., a traditional medicinal plant of the Rhamnaceae family, was examined by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase, the phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity and in vitro antidiabetic potential. Sequential solvent extraction of ethanolic leaf extracts produced a rich profile of secondary metabolites including flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids and terpenoids, as determined by qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening. Total phenolic content was measured at 151.21 ± 7.78 mg GAE/g with flavonoids at 34.90 ± 3.67 mg. QE/g/High quantities of phenolics and flavonoids were responsible for the dose-dependent radical neutralization shown by antioxidant activity, which was evaluated using DPPH scavenging and reducing power tests. The extract showed considerable inhibition of α-glucosidase (IC50 = 1.44 ± 0.01 mg/mL) and α-amylase (IC50 = 1.61 ± 0.05 mg/mL), indicating that it may be able to control postprandial hyperglycemia. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed 38 chemicals that supported the plant's bioactivity including fatty acids (linolenic acid), nitrogen-containing heterocycles and phytosterols (campesterol, γ-sitosterol). These findings validate the ethnomedicinal use of Z. oenoplia for diabetes management and highlight its therapeutic promise, warranting further in vivo and mechanistic studies.