Unveiling the Antidiabetic Potential of Achyranthes aspera In Vitro and In Silico Efficacy Insights

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder with increasing global incidence. Current pharmaceutical treatments, such as insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents, are often associated with side effects and drug resistance, this underscores the need for safer alternatives. Achyranthes aspera , a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine, has demonstrated potential in managing diabetes. This study employs both in vitro and in silico approaches to assess the antidiabetic efficacy of A. aspera . In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of the plant on key enzymes involved in glycemic control and carbohydrate metabolism, namely DPP-4, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Significant inhibition of these enzymes was observed, indicating the potential of A. aspera to regulate blood glucose levels effectively. Additionally, cytotoxicity assays using L6 cell lines demonstrated that A. aspera extract enhances glucose uptake and remains nontoxic at therapeutic concentrations, suggesting an improvement in insulin sensitivity. Molecular docking studies further supported these findings, which revealed strong interactions between bioactive compounds in A. aspera and target proteins involved in glucose metabolism. In summary, these results underscore the therapeutic potential of A. aspera as a natural antidiabetic agent. However, further in vivo studies are recommended to validate its clinical efficacy and explore its potential for use in diabetes treatment.