Drug Discovery

Medicinal plants continue to serve as a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse therapeutic potential. Diospyros malabarica, a traditionally used medicinal plant, has gained attention for its wide range of pharmacological properties. This project aims to comprehensively evaluate the biological activities of Diospyros malabarica leaf extract through integrated in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. The in vitro component of the study focuses on assessing key biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects using established biochemical and cell-based assays. These experiments provide initial evidence of the extract’s pharmacological potential and help identify its bioactive properties at the molecular level. To further validate these findings, in vivo studies are conducted using appropriate animal models to evaluate therapeutic efficacy, safety, and physiological effects. Parameters such as anti-inflammatory response, analgesic activity, and potential toxicity are examined to determine the extract’s suitability for biomedical applications. In parallel, in silico analysis is performed to identify and characterize the active phytochemical constituents present in the leaf extract. Computational techniques, including molecular docking and pharmacokinetic prediction, are used to investigate the interaction between selected compounds and relevant biological targets. This approach provides mechanistic insights into the observed biological activities and supports the identification of potential lead compounds for drug development. The integration of experimental and computational methods in this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic potential of Diospyros malabarica. The findings are expected to contribute to the discovery of novel plant-based bioactive agents and support the development of safe, effective, and affordable therapeutic alternatives.