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Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes, is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by persistent hyperglycemia and associated complications. Although several synthetic drugs are available for its management, they often produce undesirable side effects. This has led to an increased interest in traditional medicinal plants as alternative therapeutic agents. Abutilon crispum, a plant used in traditional medicine for various ailments, remains largely unexplored for its antidiabetic potential. The present study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory activity of the ethanol extract of Abutilon crispum stem against two key carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, to assess its potential in managing postprandial hyperglycemia. The ethanol extract was tested in vitro at concentrations ranging from 100–500 µg/mL for its ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, using Acarbose as a standard. The percentage inhibition and IC₅₀ values were calculated to determine efficacy. The extract exhibited dose-dependent inhibitory effects against both enzymes. Maximum inhibition for α-amylase and α-glucosidase was 59.09 ± 2.27% and 48.57 ± 2.05% at 500 µg/mL, with corresponding IC₅₀ values of 415.36 µg/mL and 520.11 µg/mL. Although less potent than Acarbose, the extract's moderate activity indicates the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolics. This study provides the first evidence of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition by A. crispum stem extract, supporting its traditional use and potential as a natural antidiabetic agent. Further phytochemical and in vivo investigations are warranted.