The nutritional evaluation and hypoglycemic activity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) proteins in vivo based on...

This study investigated the nutritional composition and hypoglycemic activity of chickpea protein extract (CPE). It showed a high protein content, abundant essential amino acids and beneficial trace elements. Network pharmacology analysis identified 205 potential targets, and a protein-protein interaction network highlighted five key proteins (MMP9, ESR1, EGFR, PTGS2, PPARG) associated with mitigating glucose-induced damage through NF-κB and TNF signaling pathways. In vivo safety evaluation revealed no acute or subacute toxicity in C57 mice, with normal body weight gain and a maximum tolerated dose of at least 0.15 g/mL by gavage. In the type 2 diabetes mouse model, CPE significantly alleviated pancreatic β-cell injury caused by glucose toxicity and regulated serum cytokine levels. These findings suggest that the hypoglycemic activity of CPE is mediated through the inhibition of NF-κB signaling and activation of Akt/AMPK pathways, as validated by Western blot analysis. Overall, this study provides experimental evidence supporting the development of chickpea protein as a functional food ingredient for diabetes management.