Pteleopsis habeensis (Aubrev ex Keay) is a traditionally recognized medicinal plant reputed for its therapeutic applications in managing diabetes, cancer, and malaria. This study investigated the nutritional composition, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties of the leaf extract of P. habeensis. Proximate and elemental analyses were conducted to evaluate the plant’s nutritive value, using standard laboratory procedures including Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Plant extracts were obtained through methanol extraction and fractionated using n-hexane, chloroform, and butanol. Antioxidant activity was assessed in vitro using the DPPH assay, while antidiabetic potential was examined in vivo in normoglycemic and diabetic rat models at various doses and time intervals. The proximate composition revealed that carbohydrates, protein, moisture, and fiber were present in appreciable quantities, whereas ash and lipid contents were relatively low. Sodium content was found to be highest among the minerals analyzed, while calcium and potassium were comparatively low. The IC₅₀ values for the methanol, butanol, chloroform, and hexane fractions were 12.65, 26.91, 26.12, and 46.65 µg/mL respectively, with ascorbic acid having the strongest antioxidant potential (IC₅₀ = 3.93 µg/mL). The plant extract induced hypoglycemia in diabetic rats at varying doses and intervals, confirming its antidiabetic efficacy. This study presents the first documented evidence of the nutritional and pharmacological properties of Pteleopsis habeensis leaves, supporting its ethnomedicinal use in diabetes management and offering potential as a source for novel antidiabetic agents.
Ibrahim Adeyemi Olatunbosun (Tue,) studied this question.