ANTI DIABETIC POTENTIAL OF CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS BY INVITRO AND IN SILICO APPROACH

Abstract

Introduction: In traditional medicine, citrullus colocynthis is a popular fruit that is used as a treatment against a variety of ailments, most notably diabetes. A problem in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). It arises as a result of insulin resistance, loss, or insufficiency. The need for new anti-diabetic medications is driven by the prevalence of diabetes as a metabolic condition.

Objective : The objective of the present study was to assess the alpha-glucosidase inhibition activity of Citrullus colocynthis extract and determine its impact on cell viability.

Methods: Using a colorimetric technique with acarbose as the reference standard, the ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis is examined for its ability to inhibit alpha-glucosidase. Various extract concentrations are used to gauge the vitality of C. colocynthis cells. The binding affinity of the chemicals in the extract to the target protein is examined using molecular docking experiments.

Results: The Citrullus colocynthis ethanolic extract exhibits considerable alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with a concentration-dependent pattern similar to acarbose, though with significantly lower activity. C. colocynthis exhibits exceptional cell vitality at low concentrations; even at high concentrations (1000 ug/ml), the cell viability is still greater than 70%, showing little cytotoxicity. A significant affinity for the target alpha-glucosidase protein has been found by molecular docking experiments between the chemicals in the extract.

Discussion: In vitro and in silico studies on C. colocynthis have revealed its potential as an anti-diabetic agent. In vitro experiments showed enhanced glucose uptake, insulin secretion, and antioxidant activity, while in silico simulations demonstrated binding affinity with relevant proteins.

Conclusion: The potential for C. colocynthis as a natural anti-diabetic compound seems promising. Despite being slightly less effective than acarbose, C. colocynthis alpha-glucosidase inhibitory efficacy may be improved through purification. The high cell viability of C. colocynthis further supports its safety. The outcomes of the molecular docking offer information on the potential mechanism of action. These results support the need for safe and effective diabetes management alternatives and call for additional study to confirm the efficacy and safety of these plant extracts as possible anti-diabetic treatments.