Evaluation of terpenes rich Hura crepitans extract on glucose regulation and diabetic complications in STZ-induced diabetic rats

The continual increase in global diabetic statistics portends decreased productivity and life spans, thus making it a disease of concern requiring more effective and safe therapeutic options. While several reports on antidiabetic plants, including Hura crepitans, are available, there is still a dearth of information on the holistic antidiabetic properties of H. crepitans and its associated complications. This study evaluated the antidiabetic potential of methanolic extract of Hura crepitans using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. The extract revealed a dose-dependent in vitro effect, with a 47.97 % and 65.34 % decrease in the fasting blood sugar levels of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats at 150 and 300 mg/kg BW, respectively. Likewise, the extract increased serum and pancreatic insulin levels, and significantly ameliorated neuronal oxidative stress and inflammation by reducing the expression levels of cholinesterase, NF-κB, and COX-2 in the brain of hyperglycemic rats. Serum dyslipidemia, liver, and kidney biomarker indices, and hematological alterations in diabetic rats were also significantly attenuated by the extract. Several constituents, mainly terpenes, were identified in the extract. To further predict the drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics, and binding properties of the compounds, in silico analysis was conducted. Ergosta-2,24-dien-26-oicacid,18-(acetyloxy)-5,6-epoxy-4, 22-dihydroxy-1-oxo-,delta.-lactone-4.beta., displayed the highest docking scores for acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterases, alpha-amylase, and nuclear factor-kB with values of -12.4, -10.9, -10.3, and -9.4 kcal/mol, while ergost-25-ene-6,12-dione,3,5-dihydroxy-, (3.beta.,5.alpha.) topped for cyclooxygenase-2 (-9.0 kcal/mol). The top-ranked compounds also presented significant oral drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics, and safety properties. Altogether, our data provide preclinical evidence of the potential of Hura crepitans in ameliorating diabetes and its associated complications.