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Abstract
Muntingia calabura Linn. belongs to the family Muntingiaceae, commonly known as Jamaican cherry, is a traditionally valued medicinal plant used in folk medicine for the management of headache, fever, gastric ulcers, inflammation and diabetes. The present study was aimed to evaluate the physicochemical parameters, preliminary phytochemical screening, in-vitro antioxidant activity and alpha-amylase inhibitory effect of M. calabura leaves. Physicochemical parameters such as ash values, extractive values and moisture content were determined to assess quality and purity. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out using standard qualitative tests. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated through established radical scavenging assays, while antidiabetic potential was assessed using the alpha-amylase inhibition method. The extract exhibited significant, concentration-dependent antioxidant activity and α-amylase inhibitory effect, indicating potential to mitigate oxidative stress and postprandial hyperglycemia. Overall, the findings provide scientific validation for the traditional use of M. calabura and support its potential as a promising natural source of antioxidant and antidiabetic agents. Further bioassay-guided isolation and mechanistic studies are recommended.