Antidiabetic effects of Tipuana tipu leaves: in silico docking and experimental study in streptozotocin-induced...

Tipuana tipu (Benth.) is a leguminous plant traditionally valued for various medicinal properties. Preliminary phytochemical analysis indicates the presence of bioactive compounds with potential antihyperglycemic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the glucose-lowering activity of methanolic extract of T. tipu (METT) in an experimental hyperglycaemic model.

Molecular docking simulations were performed to evaluate the potential binding interactions of five phytocompounds-nonadecanol, alpinumisoflavone, β-sitosterol glucoside, protocatechualdehyde, and protocatechuic acid-with the carbohydrate-digesting enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The three-dimensional crystal structures of α-amylase (PDB ID: 1PIG) and α-glucosidase (PDB ID: 3E37) were obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Experimental animals were divided into a negative control group and two treatment groups receiving METT at 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Blood glucose levels were measured in all groups, and body weight changes were monitored.

The phytochemical profile of the extract revealed the presence of constituents including nonadecanol, alpinumisoflavone, β-sitosterol glucoside, protocatechualdehyde, and protocatechuic acid. No significant changes in body weight were observed in any group during the study period. The negative control group showed a mean blood glucose level of 200.50 mg/dL. Treatment with METT significantly reduced blood glucose to 82.15 mg/dL (25 mg/kg) and 79.50 mg/dL (50 mg/kg), corresponding to a reduction of approximately 59-60% toward normoglycaemia. The obtained docking scored were fully support the hypoglycaemic activity of plant.

METT demonstrated potent antihyperglycemic activity without affecting body weight, suggesting efficacy with good short-term tolerability. The activity may be attributed to the synergistic effects of identified phytoconstituents, potentially acting through β-cell protection, enhancement of insulin secretion, improved peripheral glucose utilization, and inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. These findings support T. tipu as a promising source for the development of plant-based antihyperglycemic agents, warranting further mechanistic and long-term safety investigations.