IN VITRO ASSESSMENT OF ALPHA-GLUCOSIDASE INHIBITORY POTENTIAL OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes, is a global health challenge characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance or impaired insulin secretion. A key therapeutic strategy for managing this condition involves inhibiting alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme in the small intestine responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates into glucose. By delaying carbohydrate digestion, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors help reduce postprandial hyperglycemia, offering a vital approach to glycemic control. However, synthetic inhibitors like acarbose often cause gastrointestinal side effects, prompting the search for natural, plant-based alternatives with fewer adverse effects. Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as roselle, is a medicinal plant widely recognized for its rich phytochemical profile, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which exhibit diverse pharmacological properties, including antidiabetic potential. The leaves and fruits (calyces) of Hibiscus sabdariffa have been traditionally used in herbal medicine across various cultures to manage ailments, including diabetes. Recent studies suggest that both aqueous and ethanol extracts of these plant parts possess significant alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity, attributed to their bioactive constituents, such as protocatechuic acid and delphinidin-3- sambubioside. These extracts offer a promising avenue for developing natural antidiabetic agents, leveraging their efficacy and cultural acceptability in traditional medicine.