Abstract
This study sought to evaluate the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant effects of the methanolic leaf extract (MLE) of Gentiana quadrifaria. In vitro analysis of free-radical scavenging activity revealed that G. quadrifaria MLE exhibited an effective free-radical scavenging potential and contained a high phenolic and flavonoid content. Antihyperglycemic study revealed a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose (FBG) compared to the untreated group, with an optimal dose of 250 mg/kg body weight being confirmed and selected for further investigation. Additionally, reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were noted, along with an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The results also demonstrated an increase in the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase, alongside a reduction in the levels of serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and protein carbonyl in all treated diabetic groups. Histological examination showed a reduction in hepatic damage following treatment with G. quadrifaria MLE. Additionally, the GC-MS analysis of the G. quadrifaria MLE confirmed the presence of several bioactive compounds in the MLE, and all the compounds were found to pass the Lipinski's rule of five, except myo-inositol, 4-C-methyl, indicating their potential suitability as drug candidates. The ability of G. quadrifaria MLE to scavenge free radicals and reduce FBG revealed its antioxidative and antihyperglycemic potential in this study. Furthermore, based on the results from Gas Chromatography-Mass Spoectrometry (GC-MS) and SwissADME, this study suggests that it could be effective in the management of diabetes mellitus.