INVESTIGATIONS OF FLAVONOID CONTENT AND Α –AMYLASE INHIBITION PROPERTY OF MALE INFLORESCENCE FLOWER EXTRACT OF OIL PALM TREE

The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has intensified interest in plant-derived therapeutic agents that offer effective management with fewer side effects than synthetic drugs. This study investigated the flavonoid content and α-amylase inhibitory properties of aqueous extract derived from the male inflorescence of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis), an underutilized plant part commonly discarded as agricultural waste. The extract was subjected to quantitative phytochemical analysis and in vitro α-amylase inhibition assays to evaluate its potential antidiabetic activity. The total flavonoid content of the extract was recorded at 0.60 ± 0.02 mg/g GAE, indicating a moderate presence of phenolic compounds. In vitro enzyme inhibition studies revealed a concentration-dependent α-amylase inhibitory effect, with inhibition increasing from 7.14% at 0.02 mg/mL to 58.6% at 0.10 mg/mL. These results suggest that bioactive flavonoids present in the extract may contribute to the modulation of postprandial glucose levels by slowing starch breakdown, a key mechanism in diabetes management. The findings align with existing literature supporting the antidiabetic properties of flavonoid-rich plant extracts. The study contributes novel data by exploring the male inflorescence, a previously neglected component of E. guineensis thereby supporting its pharmacological relevance and promoting sustainable valorization of agro-industrial waste. This work lays the groundwork for future in vivo and mechanistic studies to further validate its therapeutic efficacy. Overall, the male inflorescence of oil palm emerges as a promising botanical resource for the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, or phytopharmaceutical agents in diabetes care