Season and Ecotype Variation on Phenolic Contents, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Diospyros Mespiliformis

Abstract

Phenolic compounds in plants act as free radical scavengers and contribute to diabetes prevention. However, the production of plants is influenced by various factors. This study investigates the impact of season and ecology on the phenolic compound content, as well as the antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities of Diospyros mespiliformis (D. mespiuliformis) extracts.Samples (leaves, stem bark, and roots) were collected from three locations during two seasons. Phenolic compound contents were quantified using the FolinCiocalte ureagent and flavonoid content with aluminum trichloride methods. Antioxidant activity was assessed using chromogen DPPH^•, ABTS^+•, and Fe³⁺. The anti-diabetic potential of the plant was evaluated through α-amylase inhibition and glucose adsorption tests. In leaves and roots, extracts from dry-season samples showed the highest total flavonoid content. In contrast, the wet season was favorable for the production of these compounds in the bark. The DPPH^• and ABTS^+• radical scavenging of the extracts varied according to the season and the place where the samples were harvested (p < 0.05). Fe³⁺chelation activity was higher in dry season samples collected at Dirabakoko. The ethylacetate fraction exhibited the strongest inhibition of α-amylase (IC₅₀=0.185 ± 0.069 mg/mL), while the diethylether fractions demonstrated greater glucose adsorption capacity (366.66 ± 11.57 mM/g). The biomolecules in the ethylacetate and diethylether fractions of that plant could potentially be utilized to prevent oxidative stress and diabetes.