Phytochemical Profiling by HR-LCMS and In Vitro Assessment of Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Cordia obliqua Leaves

Background: Cordia obliqua Willd., valued in Indian ethnomedicine for the treatment of metabolic disorders and inflammation, lacks scientific validation of its phytochemicals and bioactivity. This study identifies key metabolites and evaluates their therapeutic potential, substantiating traditional uses and advancing novel plant-based treatments. Aim: To profile the phytochemical constituents of the hydroalcoholic extract of C. obliqua (HECO) leaves using HR-LCMS and evaluate its in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Methods: Fresh leaves of C. obliqua were extracted using hydroalcoholic solvent, and phytochemical profiling was performed through High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HR-LCMS). In vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, ferric ion reducing power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. The antidiabetic potential was evaluated using α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, with ascorbic acid and acarbose serving as reference standards. IC50 values were calculated to compare extract potency with standard drug controls. Results: HR-LCMS analysis revealed a diverse phytochemical spectrum, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, previously associated with metabolic protection, antioxidant effects, and enzyme modulation. The HECO demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidant activity across all assays, exhibiting values comparable to those of ascorbic acid. HECO also significantly inhibited carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzymes, with IC50 values of 92.75 μg/mL (α-amylase) and 179.5 μg/mL (α-glucosidase), indicating its potential to reduce postprandial glucose spikes. Conclusion: The findings validate the ethnomedicinal use of C. obliqua for oxidative stress and diabetes management. The synergistic presence of multiple phytoconstituents confers strong antioxidant capacity and enzymatic inhibition, supporting its promise as a cost-effective phytotherapeutic agent. Additional in vivo studies and toxicity profiling are recommended to establish safety, mechanism of action, and translational potential for phytopharmaceutical development. Major Findings: HR-LCMS revealed multiple bioactive metabolites in HECO. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity comparable to that of ascorbic acid. Significant α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition supports its antidiabetic potential.