LC-MS/MS identification and beneficial effects of Phoenix dactylifera L. leaves hydroalcoholic extract: In vitro and in vivo studies of glycosidase inhibitors

Phoenix dactylifera L. has an important role in the Tunisian social, economic, and ecological sectors. LC-MS/MS analysis of leaves hydroalcoholic extract from Phoenix dactylifera L. showed the presence of flavonoid glycosoides. The in vitro study showed that the extract exhibited a more specific and potent inhibitor of α-glucosidase with an IC50 value (20 ± 1 μg/mL) than α-amylase (30 ± 0.8 μg/mL). The in vivo study of the postprandial hyperglycemia activity with this extract in the gastrointestinal absorption loaded with an overdose of maltose showed a decrease in plasma glucose levels after 60 min in resemblance to the acarbose effect. These results confirmed the anti-hyperglycemic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Phoenix dactylifera L. leaves, which could lend support for its pharmaceutical use.