In Vivo and in Vitro Evaluation of the Anti-Diabetic Activity of Chemically Analyzed Abelmoschus esculentus Extracts

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and associated complications. Natural plant-based therapies have gained increasing attention due to their potential efficacy and safety. Abelmoschus esculentus (AE) has traditionally been used for the management of diabetes; however, its anti-diabetic mechanisms require further scientific validation. Objective: This study aimed to chemically characterize of AE fruit methanol (AEM), hexane (AEH), and water (AEW) extracts and evaluate their anti-diabetic activity using both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Methods: AE extracts were prepared and chemically analyzed using standard phytochemical and GC/MS analysis. In vitro anti-diabetic activity was assessed through testing glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane (PM) in a rat muscle cell line stably expressing myc-tagged GLUT4 (L6-GLUT4myc) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antioxidant activity also performed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In vivo anti-diabetic effects were evaluated in experimentally induced diabetic animal models by monitoring blood glucose levels. Results: GC-MS analysis identified 14 compounds in the AEM and 12 in the AEH known to possess anti-diabetic activity. AEM and AEH enhanced GLUT4 translocation in L6-GLUT4myc muscle cells, with AEM showing the highest activity. Oral AEM treatment reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic mice from 525 ± 46 to 234 ± 56 mg/dL after 5 weeks. Both extracts exhibited antioxidant activity, with AEM achieving 69% inhibition in the DPPH assay. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that chemically characterized AE extracts possess significant anti-diabetic activity in both in vitro and in vivo models. These effects may be attributed to the presence of bioactive phytochemicals that improve glucose metabolism.AE may therefore represent a promising natural therapeutic candidate for the management of diabetes mellitus.