Evaluation Of the Anti-Diabetic Potential of Cassia Absus: An In Vitro Study on Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibition and Glucose Uptake
ABSTRACTDiabetes mellitus is rising globally, and post-prandial hyperglycemia is a key driver of complications. Plant-derived alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and insulin-sensitizing agents are being explored as better-tolerated options. Cassia absus has long-standing ethnomedicinal use for glycemic control. To evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of an ethanolic leaf extract of Cassia absus via (i) alpha-glucosidase inhibition and (ii) enhancement of glucose uptake in vitro, alongside phytochemical profiling and comparison with standards. Leaves were shade-dried, powdered and ethanol-extracted. Qualitative tests and quantitative assays (HPLC and spectrophotometry) profiled gymnemic acids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. Alpha-glucosidase inhibition was quantified using p-nitrophenyl-?-D-glucopyranoside across 100–1000 µg/mL; acarbose served as positive control and IC?? was determined. A non-cellular 2-NBDG assay assessed glucose uptake across the same concentrations with insulin as comparator. Experiments were run in triplicate and analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The extract contained abundant gymnemic acids (I–IV) with notable levels of flavonoids, saponins and tannins. Alpha-glucosidase activity was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, reaching 98.5% at 1000 µg/mL (IC?? ? 350 µg/mL), exceeding acarbose inhibition at the same concentration (89.3%). The extract also increased glucose uptake up to 96.2% at 1000 µg/mL, outperforming insulin (80.2%) under assay conditions. Statistical analyses indicated significant effects for both endpoints (p < 0.05). Cassia absus exhibits dual anti-diabetic actions potent alpha- glucosidase inhibition and marked enhancement of glucose uptake supporting its promise as a natural adjunct for managing post-prandial glycaemia and improving peripheral glucose handling. Keywords: Cassia absus; alpha-glucosidase inhibition; glucose uptake; gymnemic acids; antidiabetic; in vitro study