An in silico study on antidiabetic activity of bioactive compounds in Euphorbia thymifolia Linn

Metabolic Profiling, GC-MS, LC-ESI-MS/MS Analysis, Phenolics Isolation and Biological Evaluation of the Aerial Parts Extracts of Felicia abyssinica L

Felicia abyssinica L., family Asteraceae, is widely used in folk medicine. This represents the first study to investigate its phytoconstituents and pharmacological effects. Phytoconstituents identified by GC-MS, LC-ESI-MS/MS-based metabolomics, and NMR (1D & 2D). GC-MS of the (FAMEs) revealed mainly the identification of 55 fatty acids. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis resulted in the tentative identity of 13 compounds representing flavonoids, phenolics, and fatty acids. Ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest total flavonoids 66.19 mg/mL Rutin equivalent, while the methanolic fraction showed the highest phenolics 87.70 mg/mL gallic acid equivalent, and the total condensed tannins were 64.35 μg CE/mg catechins equivalent. A flavonoid and a cinnamic acid derivative were identified as quercetin 3-O-(2'''-O-acetyl) rutinoside (Mumikotin A) (1) and Methyl sinapate (2). Biological evaluation of antioxidant and cytotoxic activities was carried out. Cytotoxicity was examined on HepG-2 cell lines where the average cell viability was 91.42 % and 52.48 % for concentrations 10 and 100 μg/mL respectively. Methylene chloride and methanolic fractions showed the highest antioxidant activity 225 μg/mL Ascorbic acid equivalents. It is hypothesized that high phenolics, flavonoid content, and oxygenated identified compounds contribute to the antioxidant activity and can be regarded as a promising species for nutraceuticals active antioxidants with potential value for remedy.

Exploring antidiabetic potential of a polyherbal formulation Madhurakshak Activ: An in vitro and in silico study

Madhurakshak Activ (MA), a commercial polyherbal antidiabetic preparation is known to manage diabetes mellitus (DM) by reducing blood glucose levels. However, lacks systematic mechanistic evaluation for their molecular and cellular mode of actions. In the present study, hydro-alcoholic and aqueous extract of MA were evaluated for their effects on glucose adsorption, diffusion, amylolysis kinetics and transport across the yeast cells using in vitro techniques. Bioactive compounds identified from MA by LC-MS/MS were assessed for their binding potential against DPP-IV and PPARγ via an in silico approach. Our results revealed that the adsorption of glucose increased dose dependently (5 mM -100 mM). Both extracts exhibited linear glucose uptake into the yeast cells (5 mM - 25 mM), whereas glucose diffusion was directly proportional to time (30-180 min). Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed drug-like properties and low toxicity levels for all the selected compounds. Among the tested compounds, 6-hydroxyluteolin (-8.9 against DPP-IV and PPARγ) and glycyrrhetaldehyde (DPP-IV -9.7 and PPARγ -8.5) have exhibited higher binding affinity compared to the positive control. Therefore, the above compounds were further considered for molecular dynamics simulation which showed stability of the docked complexes. Hence, studied mode of actions might produce a concerted role of MA in increasing the rate of glucose absorption and uptake followed by the in silico studies which suggest that the compounds identified from MA may inhibit DPP-IV and PPARγ phosphorylation.

Comparative anti-Diabetic potential of phytocompounds from Dr. Duke's phytochemical and ethnobotanical database and standard antidiabetic drugs against diabetes hyperglycemic target proteins: an in silico validation

In the current investigation, the antidiabetic potential of 40 phytocompounds from Dr. Dukes phytochemical and ethanobotanical database and three antidiabetic pharmaceuticals from the market comparatively validated against hyperglycemic target proteins. Silymarin, proanthocyanidins, merremoside, rutin, mangiferin-7-O-beta-glucoside, and gymnemic acid exhibited good binding affinity toward protein targets of diabetes among the 40 phytocompounds from Dr.Dukes database over three chosen antidiabetic pharmaceutical compounds. Further these phytocompounds and sitagliptin are validated for its ADMET and bioactivity score to screen its pharmacological and pharmacokinetics properties. Silymarin, proanthocyanidins, rutin along with sitagliptin screened for DFT analysis found that phytocompounds have great Homo-Lumo orbital energies over commercial pharmaceutical sitagliptin. Finally, four complexes of alpha amylase-silymarin, alpha amylase-sitagliptin, aldose reductase-proanthocyanidins, and aldose reductase-sitagliptin screened for MD simulation and MMGBSA analysis, results shown that the phytocompounds silymarin and proanthocyanidins have strong affinities for binding to the binding pockets of alpha amylase and aldose reductase respectively over antidiabetic pharmaceuticals. Our current study proven proanthocyanidins and silymarin act as novel antidiabetic compounds toward diabetic target protein but it require clinical trial to evaluate its clinical pertinence toward diabetic target proteins.Communicated by Ramaswamy Sarma.

Computation Screening of Multi-Target Antidiabetic Properties of Phytochemicals in Common Edible Mediterranean Plants

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease and one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide. Numerous studies support that the Mediterranean diet has preventive and treatment effects on diabetes. These effects have been attributed to the special bioactive composition of Mediterranean foods. The objective of this work was to decipher the antidiabetic activity of Mediterranean edible plant materials using the DIA-DB inverse virtual screening web server. A literature review on the antidiabetic potential of Mediterranean plants was performed and twenty plants were selected for further examination. Subsequently, the most abundant flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes in plant materials were studied to predict their antidiabetic activity. Results showed that flavonoids are the most active phytochemicals as they modulate the function of 17 protein-targets and present high structural similarity with antidiabetic drugs. Their antidiabetic effects are linked with three mechanisms of action, namely (i) regulation of insulin secretion/sensitivity, (ii) regulation of glucose metabolism, and (iii) regulation of lipid metabolism. Overall, the findings can be utilized to understand the antidiabetic activity of edible Mediterranean plants pinpointing the most active phytoconstituents.

In Silico Approaches to Identify Polyphenol Compounds as α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibitors against Type-II Diabetes

Type-II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) results from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, and the prevalence of T2DM is increasing worldwide. Clinically, both α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes inhibitors can suppress peaks of postprandial glucose with surplus adverse effects, leading to efforts devoted to urgently seeking new anti-diabetes drugs from natural sources for delayed starch digestion. This review attempts to explore 10 families e.g., Bignoniaceae, Ericaceae, Dryopteridaceae, Campanulaceae, Geraniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, Acanthaceae, Rutaceae, and Moraceae as medicinal plants, and folk and herb medicines for lowering blood glucose level, or alternative anti-diabetic natural products. Many natural products have been studied in silico, in vitro, and in vivo assays to restrain hyperglycemia. In addition, natural products, and particularly polyphenols, possess diverse structures for exploring them as inhibitors of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Interestingly, an in silico discovery approach using natural compounds via virtual screening could directly target α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes through Monte Carto molecular modeling. Autodock, MOE-Dock, Biovia Discovery Studio, PyMOL, and Accelrys have been used to discover new candidates as inhibitors or activators. While docking score, binding energy (Kcal/mol), the number of hydrogen bonds, or interactions with critical amino acid residues have been taken into concerning the reliability of software for validation of enzymatic analysis, in vitro cell assay and in vivo animal tests are required to obtain leads, hits, and candidates in drug discovery and development.

Advanced Bioinformatics Tools in the Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Natural and Synthetic Compounds with Anti-Diabetic Activity

Diabetes represents a major health problem, involving a severe imbalance of blood sugar levels, which can disturb the nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs. Diabes management involves several synthetic drugs focused on improving insulin sensitivity, increasing insulin production, and decreasing blood glucose levels, but with unclear molecular mechanisms and severe side effects. Natural chemicals extracted from several plants such as Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia or Ophiopogon planiscapus Niger have aroused great interest for their anti-diabetes activity, but also their hypolipidemic and anti-obesity activity. Here, we focused on the anti-diabetic activity of a few natural and synthetic compounds, in correlation with their pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles, especially with their blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. We reviewed studies that used bioinformatics methods such as predicted BBB, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) to elucidate the proper action mechanisms of antidiabetic compounds. Currently, it is evident that BBB damage plays a significant role in diabetes disorders, but the molecular mechanisms are not clear. Here, we presented the efficacy of natural (gymnemic acids, quercetin, resveratrol) and synthetic (TAK-242, propofol, or APX3330) compounds in reducing diabetes symptoms and improving BBB dysfunctions. Bioinformatics tools can be helpful in the quest for chemical compounds with effective anti-diabetic activity that can enhance the druggability of molecular targets and provide a deeper understanding of diabetes mechanisms.

Herbal Medicine for the Management of Laxative Activity

Constipation is one of the most common and prevalent chronic gastrointestinal conditions across the globe that is treated or managed through various methods. Laxatives are used for the treatment or management of chronic/acute constipation. But due to the adverse effects associated with these laxatives, herbal foods should be considered as alternative therapies for constipation. In this review, the laxative potential of plant-based medicines used for constipation were discussed. Constipation may be caused by various factors such as lifestyle, particular food habits, pregnancy and even due to some medication. Chronic constipation is responsible for different health issues. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological paradigms are applied for the treatment or management of constipation. In the pharmacological way of treatment, medicinal plants have a key role, because of their fibrous nature. Numerous plants such as Prunus persica (Rosaceae), Cyamopsis tetragonolobus (Leguminosae), Citrus sinensis (Rutaceae), Planta goovata (Plantaginaceae), Rheum emodi (Polygonaceae), Cassia auriculata (Caesalpinacea), Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae), Croton tiglium (Euphorbiaceae), Aloe barbadensis (Liliaceae), Mareya micrantha (Euphorbiaceae), Euphorbia thymifolia (Euphorbiaceae), Cascara sagrada (Rhamnaceae), Cassia angustifolia (Fabaceae) have laxative activity. Medicinal plants possess a significant laxative potential and support their folklore therefore, further, well-designed clinical-based studies are required to prove and improve the efficacy of herbal medicine for constipation. The present review showed that herbs laxative effect in various in-vivo/ in-vitro models.

In silico analysis of a potential antidiabetic phytochemical erythrin against therapeutic targets of diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disorder characterized by a chronic elevation in blood glucose levels. Currently, antidiabetic drugs are available to counteract the associated pathologies. Their concomitant effects necessitate the investigation for an effective and safe drug aimed to diminish blood glucose levels with fewer side effects. Several researchers are taking new initiatives to explore plant sources as they are known to contain a wide variety of active agents. Hence, the present study was undertaken to study the role of natural products using in silico interaction studies. Erythrin a compound present in lichens was selected as a potential anti-diabetic agent. Molecular docking studies were carried out with 14 target proteins to evaluate its antidiabetic potential. Molecular docking analysis resulted in favourable binding energy of interaction ranging as low as - 119.676 to - 92.9545 kcal/mol for erythrin, Analogue showed the highest interactions with 3C45 (- 119.676 kcal/mol) followed by 2Q5S (- 118.398 kcal/mol), 1XU7 (- 117.341 kcal/mol), 3K35 (- 114.267 kcal/mol). Erythrin was found to fare better than the three clinically used antidiabetic compounds, metformin, repaglinide and sitagliptin. Further, the molecular interactions between erythrin and the diabetes related target proteins was established by analysing the interactions with associated amino acids. In silico pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile of erythrin using admetSAR software predicted erythrin as non-carcinogenic and non-mutagenic. The drug-likeliness was calculated using molsoft software respecting Lipinski's rule of five. The compound was found to comply with Lipinksi rules violating only one filter criterion. The study suggested that erythrin could be a potential anti-diabetic agent.

Phytochemicals as Potential Epidrugs in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) prevalence has significantly increased worldwide in recent years due to population age, obesity, and modern sedentary lifestyles. The projections estimate that 439 million people will be diabetic in 2030. T2DM is characterized by an impaired β-pancreatic cell function and insulin secretion, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, and recently the epigenetic regulation of β-pancreatic cells differentiation has been underlined as being involved. It is currently known that several bioactive molecules, widely abundant in plants used as food or infusions, have a key role in histone modification and DNA methylation, and constituted potential epidrugs candidates against T2DM. In this sense, in this review the epigenetic mechanisms involved in T2DM and protein targets are reviewed, with special focus in studies addressing the potential use of phytochemicals as epidrugs that prevent and/or control T2DM in vivo and in vitro. As main findings, and although some controversial results have been found, bioactive molecules with epigenetic regulatory function, appear to be a potential replacement/complementary therapy of pharmacological hypoglycemic drugs, with minimal side effects. Indeed, natural epidrugs have shown to prevent or delay the T2DM development and the morbidity associated to dysfunction of blood vessels, eyes and kidneys due to sustained hyperglycemia in T2DM patients.

Metabolic and Epigenetic Action Mechanisms of Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants

Diabetes is a predominant metabolic disease nowadays due to the off-beam lifestyle of diet and reduced physical activity. Complications of the illness include the gene-environment interactions and the downstream genetic and epigenetic consequences, e.g., cardiovascular diseases, tumor progression, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, and weight loss. This review sheds the light on the mechanistic insights of antidiabetic medicinal plants in targeting key organs and tissues involved in regulating blood glucose homeostasis including the pancreas, liver, muscles, adipose tissues, and glucose absorption in the intestine. Diabetes is also involved in modulating major epigenetic pathways such as DNA methylation and histone modification. In this respect, we will discuss the phytochemicals as current and future epigenetic drugs in the treatment of diabetes. In addition, several proteins are common targets for the treatment of diabetes. Some phytochemicals are expected to directly interact with these targets. We lastly uncover modeling studies that predict such plausible interactions. In conclusion, this review article presents the mechanistic insight of phytochemicals in the treatment of diabetes by combining both the cellular systems biology and molecular modeling.

Molecular docking analysis of candidate compoundsderived from medicinal plants with type 2 diabetes mellitus targets

Herbal drugs are used for the treatment of diseases and disorders with its less side effects, easy availability and low cost. Several bioactive compounds have been isolated from medicinal plants such as Ficus benghelensis, Ficus racemosa, Ficus religiosa, Thespesia populena and Ficus lacur bouch were taken for screening. This study aimed to evaluate molecular interactions of selected diabetes mellitus (DM) targets with bioactive compounds isolated from Ficus benghelensis, Ficus racemosa, Ficus religiosa, Thespesia populena and Ficus lacur bouch. In this article, screening of the best substances as bioactive compounds is achieved by molecular docking analysis with 3 best selected DM target proteins i.e., aldose reductase (AR), Insulin Receptor (IR) and Mono-ADP ribosyltransferase-sirtuin-6 (SIRT6). In this analysis six potential bioactive compounds (gossypetin, herbacetin, kaempferol, leucoperalgonidin, leucodelphinidin and sorbifolin) were successfully identified on the basis of binding energy (>8.0 kcal/mol) and dissociation constant using YASARA. Out of six compounds, herbacetin and sorbifolin were observed as most suitable ligands for management of diabetes mellitus.

Natural polyphenols as sirtuin 6 modulators

Flavonoids are polyphenolic secondary metabolites synthesized by plants and fungus with various pharmacological effects. Due to their plethora of biological activities, they have been studied extensively in drug development. They have been shown to modulate the activity of a NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase, SIRT6. Because SIRT6 has been implicated in longevity, metabolism, DNA-repair, and inflammatory response reduction, it is an interesting target in inflammatory and metabolic diseases as well as in cancer. Here we show, that flavonoids can alter SIRT6 activity in a structure dependent manner. Catechin derivatives with galloyl moiety displayed significant inhibition potency against SIRT6 at 10 µM concentration. The most potent SIRT6 activator, cyanidin, belonged to anthocyanidins, and produced a 55-fold increase in SIRT6 activity compared to the 3-10 fold increase for the others. Cyanidin also significantly increased SIRT6 expression in Caco-2 cells. Results from the docking studies indicated possible binding sites for the inhibitors and activators. Inhibitors likely bind in a manner that could disturb NAD+ binding. The putative activator binding site was found next to a loop near the acetylated peptide substrate binding site. In some cases, the activators changed the conformation of this loop suggesting that it may play a role in SIRT6 activation.