Phytochemical Composition and Multi-Target Bioactivities of Telfairia occidentalis Root: Anti-Inflammatory, Antidiabetic, and Enzyme-Modulating Potential
Keywords:
Telfairia Occidentalis, Flavonoids, Phenolic Acids, Anti-Inflammatory, AntidiabeticAbstract
Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) is widely recognized in traditional medicine for the management of inflammatory conditions and metabolic disorders. While its leaves have been extensively investigated, information on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of the root remains limited. This study evaluated the phytochemical constituents, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and enzyme-modulating activities of T. occidentalis root extract and determined its heavy metal content. Fresh root samples were collected from Idu ogba Rivers State, extracted with ethanol, and analyzed using gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID) for phytochemical profiling, while heavy metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The biological activities were assessed using standard in vitro anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic assays. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation of triplicate determinations and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of p < 0.05. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of abundant flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes, with limonene (16.30 ppm), butein (9.38 ppm), naringenin (4.30 ppm), and ferulic acid (3.58 ppm) identified as major constituents. The extract exhibited appreciable biological activities, including 66% inhibition of proteinase activity, 64% inhibition of protein denaturation, and approximately 60% antidiabetic activity, whereas α-glucosidase inhibition was relatively low (7%). The concentrations of lead (0.061 ppm), cadmium (0.086 ppm), mercury (0.022 ppm), chromium (0.027 ppm), arsenic (0.010 ppm), and copper (0.089 ppm) were all below the recommended permissible limits. The observed biological activities may be attributed to the combined effects of the phytochemical constituents present in the extract. These findings suggest that T. occidentalis root is a promising source of bioactive compounds with in vitro anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potential. However, further studies on toxicity, animal models, and mechanistic investigations are required to establish its safety and therapeutic value.
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