Therapeutic potential of kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC) leaf extracts in combating obesity and diabetes

Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC) leaves, widely utilized in traditional medicine, are renowned for their therapeutic properties in managing ailments such as coughs, colds, and digestive disorders. Given the limitations of synthetic drugs including high costs and adverse effects, natural alternatives for obesity and diabetes management warrant further exploration. This study evaluates the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic potential of C. hystrix leaf extracts obtained through maceration using ethanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane, yielding crude extracts at 8.03%, 2.21%, and 1.24%, respectively. Anti-diabetic activity was assessed via α-amylase inhibition and reducing sugar content assays. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated the strongest α-amylase inhibitory effect (IC₅₀ = 0.16 mg/mL), while the ethanolic extract exhibited the highest reducing sugar content (142 ± 8.56 mg GE/g dry extract). Additionally, the ethanolic extract displayed notable anti-obesity activity, inhibiting pancreatic lipase with an IC₅₀ of 0.09 mg/mL. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of C. hystrix leaf extracts as a natural alternative for mitigating obesity and diabetes, supporting further investigation into their pharmacological applications.