Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Activities of Defatted Ethanol Aerial Extract of Heliotropium indicum: Insights from GC-MS and In Vitro Studies

Abstract

Heliotropium indicum, a plant traditionally used in folk medicine, has been underexplored for its combined antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of the ethanol extract of Heliotropium indicum, marking the first comprehensive evaluation of these combined properties using advanced analytical techniques. Phytochemical screening, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and in vitro assays were employed to identify bioactive compounds and assess therapeutic potential. All tested phytochemicals were detected except anthocyanins, with quantitative analysis revealing significant levels of saponins (5.58 ± 0.18%), alkaloids (9.40 ± 0.29%), flavonoids (23.92 ± 0.16 mg QE/g), phenols (74.06 ± 0.48 mg GAE/g), and tannins (15.85 ± 0.20 mg GAE/g). FTIR analysis identified key functional groups (O-H, C=O, C-H), indicating the presence of diverse bioactive compounds. GC-MS analysis revealed 27 phytocompounds, with key compounds such as phytol and n-hexadecanoic acid exhibiting antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. The extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with DPPH and FRAP IC50 values of 19.86 µg/mL and 38.70 µg/mL, respectively, compared to ascorbic acid (13.07 µg/mL), indicating efficacy comparable to standard antioxidants. Antidiabetic assays showed a dose-dependent response with an IC50 of 13.83 µg/mL, close to that of acarbose (10.59 µg/mL), suggesting near-equivalent antidiabetic potency. These findings highlight the multifunctional therapeutic potential of Heliotropium indicum, validating its traditional use and supporting further in vivo studies and drug formulation research for potential clinical applications.