<i>In vitr</i> o evaluation of the antidiabetic properties of a traditional Sooranam polyherbal ethanolic extract

Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion and insulin resistance, leading to complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. Traditional medicinal plants have been extensively used in India for diabetes management due to their rich bioactive profiles and low adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of ethanolic Sooranam extracts prepared from 14 medicinal plants collected from Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: The polyherbal ethanolic extract was assessed using in vitro antidiabetic assays, including α-amylase inhibition, α-glucosidase inhibition, and glucose uptake enhancement in yeast and muscle cell models. Results: The ethanolic extract of Sooranam contained flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, indicating strong antidiabetic potential. It showed dose-dependent α-amylase inhibition (10.69–91.56%) with an IC50 of 23.70 µg/mL and α-glucosidase inhibition (7.99–92.67%) comparable to voglibose. The extract also enhanced glucose uptake in yeast cells from 42.8% to 81.7% across increasing concentrations. Overall, the 15PC formulation exhibited multi-target antidiabetic activity through enzyme inhibition and improved glucose utilization. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the Sooranam polyherbal ethanolic extract from Kolli Hills possesses promising in vitro antidiabetic activity. Its enzyme inhibitory effects and glucose uptake enhancement support its potential as a natural antidiabetic agent.