The present invention primarily relates to the use of certain extract formulations of Rhodamnia cinerea as defined herein as alpha-amylase inhibitors and as actives for the therapeutic (including prophylactic) treatment of a carbohydrate metabolic disorder or of a disease attendant on hyperglycemia, preferably selected from the group consisting of prediabetes, obesity, hyperlipemia, arteriosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, postprandial hyperglycemia, and metabolic syndrome. The present invention also relates to corresponding methods. The invention further relates to specific extract formulations obtainable from Rhodamnia cinerea and to compositions, in particular orally consumable compositions, comprising an effective amount of such an extract formulation.
