Diabetes mellitus is a major global health problem and a leading cause of mortality due to its chronic complications. Hibiscus cannabinus L. has been traditionally used to treat various ailments and shows promising antidiabetic potential. However, limited studies have focused on its root extracts. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic, antioxidant and phytochemical properties of H. cannabinus L. root extracts.

Phytochemical screening of different extracts of H. cannabinus L. root was conducted using qualitative color tests, while quantitative analyses included total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and the quantification of gallic acid and caffeic acid via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antidiabetic activity was determined through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, and antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays.

The extracts of H. cannabinus L. root contained alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest TPC (75.33 ± 2.14 μg GAE/mL) and TFC (466.17 ± 58.48 μg QE/mL), while the 70% ethanol extract showed the greatest gallic acid content (12.86 ± 1.08 μg/mL). For enzyme inhibition, the ethyl acetate extract displayed strong α-amylase (42.82 ± 1.33%) and α-glucosidase (93.46 ± 0.36%) inhibitory activities, comparable or superior to acarbose. The ethanol extract demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity, with the lowest IC₅₀ values for both DPPH (495.74 ± 4.32 µg/mL) and FRAP (87.54 ± 5.94 µg/mL).

These findings suggest that H. cannabinus L. root extracts, particularly the ethyl acetate and ethanol fractions, exhibit strong antidiabetic and antioxidant activities, highlighting their potential as promising natural therapeutic agents. This plant represents a valuable source for further investigation in the development of novel antidiabetic compounds derived from natural products.