Costus afer Ker Gawl (Bush cane) extracts modulate glucose uptake, triglyceride accumulation and oxidative stress in human SW 872 liposarcoma and HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells

The current study investigates the biological effects of Costus afer (CAL and CAS extracts), a plant with known antidiabetic properties used in traditional medicine in West and tropical Africa, on pathways involved in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in human adipocyte (SW 872) and hepatocyte (HepG2) cell models. The cytotoxicity of CAL and CAS extracts was assessed using the MTS assay, while their influence on glucose uptake in HepG2 and SW 872 cells and triglyceride accumulation in oleic acid-differentiated SW 872 cells were studied. The study also examined the in vitro antioxidant activity (expressed in Trolox equivalents), the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by H ₂ O ₂ , and the anti-inflammatory effects, as demonstrated by the inhibition of albumin denaturation. The extracts demonstrated no toxicity at concentrations between 1–50 µg/mL and significantly promoted glucose uptake in SW 872 cells (+ 46.7% and + 69.0%) and HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner (+ 42.6% and + 45.3%). Furthermore, CAL and CAS reduced triglyceride accumulation in differentiated SW 872 cells (CAL: − 34.6%; CAS: -38.4%) and displayed strong antioxidant activity, particularly CAS (11.38 ± 0.7 µM Trolox equivalent/g). Both extracts also reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production at 20 µg/mL and exhibited notable anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting albumin denaturation by over 70% at 50 µg/mL and over 90% at 100 µg/mL. Costus afer presents significant therapeutic potential for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. This research underscores the plant's promise as a natural treatment option for addressing metabolic disorders.