Phytochemical composition of Eriobotrya japonica (Rosaceae) leaves extracts from central Veracruz, Mexico, and its effect on α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition

Background: Eriobotrya japonica is economically significant as an ornamental tree, and its leaves have medicinal properties. Question: What are the main chemical components of loquat leaves grown in a population of Central Veracruz Mexico? and does the methanolic extract have potential antidiabetic properties through α-glucosidase inhibition? Species study: Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. (Rosaceae) Study site and date: Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, 2021-2022. Methods: Total carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content, phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were determined in leaves powder. Leaf methanol extract of E. japonica was tested for α-glucosidase inhibition. Also, different groups of secondary metabolites were detected by the phenolics/volatile-targeted metabolomic analysis. Results: The leaves of E. japonica are rich in C and minerals such as Na, K, Ca, and Mg, and contain high levels of flavonoids, and procyanidin B2. The leaf methanol extract (LME) effectively inhibited α-glucosidase activity (86.05 ± 0.73 %) in vitro. In addition, a leaf petroleum ether extract (LPE) contains mainly phytol, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and phytol acetate. Conclusions: The leaf methanolic extract exhibited antidiabetic potential due to its potent α-glucosidase inhibition, and the presence of diverse phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and their glycoside derivatives, and some fatty acids further supports the traditional use of E. japonica as an herbal medicine with antidiabetic properties.