Biological Activities of Ficus kamerunensis Warb Fraction: Antioxidant, Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities, Phytochemical Profiling and Molecular Docking Analysis

Abstract

Objectives Ficus kamerunensis Warb. ex Mildbr. & Burret is traditionally used in Nigeria, but its bioactive constituents and mechanisms remain poorly explored. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, alpha-glucosidase inhibition, and molecular docking of fractions from the ethanolic leaf extract of F. kamerunensis. Methods Dried leaves (200 g) were extracted by ethanol maceration. The crude extract was fractionated by column chromatography using a hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol gradient. Fractions were screened for phytochemicals (qualitative and quantitative), DPPH and H2O2 scavenging, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The most active fraction (F1) was analyzed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and identified compounds were docked against antioxidant (2cag, 1y0s) and alpha-glucosidase (3aj7, 3l4v) targets. Results The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the fractions, F1 (non-polar) contained the highest levels of flavonoids (183.7 mg QE/g) and phenolics (645.5 mg GAE/g) and exhibited the strongest DPPH (89.3 %), H2O2 (78.9 %), and alpha-glucosidase inhibition (78.7 %; IC50 = 64.1 µg/mL). Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry identified 20 compounds in F1, with Squalene as the lead compound. Molecular docking showed the compound had strong binding affinities to 2cag (−167.5 kcal/mol), 1y0s (−163.9 kcal/mol), 3aj7 (−166.2 kcal/mol), and 3l4v (−161.1 kcal/mol), mediated predominantly by hydrophobic interactions. Conclusion The non-polar fraction (F1) of F. kamerunensis leaves possesses promising antioxidant and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities, supporting its traditional use. The lead compound requires further in vivo validation and bioavailability enhancement.