Antidiabetic Properties of Caffeoylmalic Acid, a Bioactive Natural Compound Isolated from Urtica dioica

The uncontrolled hyperglycemia that characterizes diabetes mellitus (DM) causes several complications in the organism. DM is among the major causes of deaths, and the limited efficacy of current treatments push the search for novel drug candidates, also among natural compounds. We focused our attention on caffeoylmalic acid, a phenolic derivative extracted from Urtica dioica, a plant investigated for its potential against type 2 DM. This compound was tested for its antidiabetic activity in vitro through a glucose uptake assay, in vivo in a mouse DM model and through molecular docking towards α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The effects on glucose blood level, liver enzymes, insulin and creatinine levels as well as on lipid and blood parameters, considered biochemical markers of diabetes, were also evaluated. The results showed an antidiabetic activity in vitro and in vivo, as the compound stimulates glucose absorbtion and reduces blood glucose levels. Moreover, it ameliorates lipid profile, liver and blood parameters, with moderate effect on insulin secretion. Taken together, these findings pave the way for the compounds from this class of caffeoylmalic acid as potential antidiabetic compounds.