Exploring the anti-diabetic potential of Antidesma alexiteria L.: In vitro GLUT-4 expression and molecular docking studies

Authors

  • Sam Alex Department of Botany, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
  • Keerthi Sugathan J Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Division, Saraswathy Thangavelu Extension Centre, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
  • Amal Chandra PV Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Division, Saraswathy Thangavelu Extension Centre, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
  • Radhamany PM Department of Botany, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0753-1704
  • Sreekumar S Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Division, Saraswathy Thangavelu Extension Centre, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Abstract

GLUT-4, an insulin-regulated glucose transporter primarily located in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, plays a crucial role in the insulin-stimulated uptake of glucose uptake. Impaired GLUT-4 transcription and translocation lead to insulin resistance and hyperglycemia.  Hence, this study investigates the role of bioactive compounds from plant sources using gene-level and in-silico interaction studies. In the present investigation, in-silico and in-vitro gene expression analysis of the GLUT-4 gene with acetone bark extract of A. alexiteria were conducted. GLUT-4 gene expression was analysed using 3T3-L1 adipose cells and insulin as standard. The results demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in GLUT-4 expression, with the highest expression observed at a 100μg/ml concentration. According to molecular docking research, the compound juziphine interacted with the catalytic residues Glu177 and Gly400 of the GLUT-4 protein, satisfying ADMET properties. The stability of protein-ligand complex was further validated by molecular dynamics simulations. The study suggested that the extract has insulin-mimetic properties, enhancing GLUT-4 expression, and that juziphine could serve as a promising anti-diabetic agent.

Keywords:

Antidesma alexiteria, GLUT-4, In-silico analysis, anti-diabetic effect

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25004/IJPSDR.2025.170308

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Published

30-05-2025
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“Exploring the Anti-Diabetic Potential of Antidesma Alexiteria L.: In Vitro GLUT-4 Expression and Molecular Docking Studies”. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, vol. 17, no. 3, May 2025, pp. 277-85, https://doi.org/10.25004/IJPSDR.2025.170308.

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Research Article

How to Cite

“Exploring the Anti-Diabetic Potential of Antidesma Alexiteria L.: In Vitro GLUT-4 Expression and Molecular Docking Studies”. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, vol. 17, no. 3, May 2025, pp. 277-85, https://doi.org/10.25004/IJPSDR.2025.170308.