In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of the Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Dysphania ambrosioides L.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Dysphania ambrosioides L. (Amaranthaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Moroccan medicine for the management of diabetes‐related disorders. This study investigated the antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of its hydroethanolic extract. Antidiabetic potential was evaluated through pancreatic α‐amylase inhibition (in vitro and in vivo) and intestinal glucose absorption (in situ). Antioxidant and antibacterial activities were assessed using standard chemical assays and selected bacterial strains. The extract showed significant inhibition of pancreatic α‐amylase in vitro (IC 50 = 1.22 ± 0.18 mg/mL). In vivo, it markedly reduced starch‐induced hyperglycemia in both normal and alloxan‐induced diabetic rats ( p < 0.001) and decreased intestinal glucose absorption in situ ( p < 0.05). It also exhibited broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus , Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Escherichia coli , with MIC values ranging from 0.07 to 0.625 mg/mL and MBC values from 0.312 to 1.25 mg/mL. Moderate antioxidant activity was observed using the ABTS assay (IC 50 = 293.98 ± 3.11 mg/mL), along with a high total antioxidant capacity. These results demonstrate that Dysphania ambrosioides exerts antidiabetic effects through inhibition of carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption, alongside antioxidant and antibacterial activities. This study provides scientific evidence supporting its traditional use and highlights its potential as a natural source of bioactive compounds.