Cyclocarya paliurus functional beverage: process investigation, component analysis and hypoglycemic activity research

Cyclocarya paliurus beverage (CPB), a traditional functional beverage widely consumed in China, has demonstrated hypoglycemic properties in folk medicine. However, its bioactive constituents and pharmacological mechanisms remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to systematically investigate the antidiabetic effects of CPB and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. The extraction process of CPB was optimized using Response Surface Methodology. Thirty-five compounds in CPB were identified by UPLC-Orbitrip-MS/MS way, and network pharmacology analysis revealed 84 potential therapeutic targets associated with T2DM. Six major bioactive compounds were quantitatively analyzed by HPLC method, and their potential targets were predicted via molecular docking. In vivo studies demonstrated that CPB treatment significantly manifested in reducing fasting blood glucose levels, improving serum lipid profiles (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C), and alleviating liver, kidney and pancreatic damage in T2DM mice. These research findings collectively suggested that CPB exerts therapeutic effects against T2DM, likely through a multi-component, multi-target mechanism. • Functional beverages are made from Cyclocarya paliurus , honeysuckle, corn silk, lotus leaves, and tangerine peel. • RSM has determined the optimal extraction method, and the total flavonoid content in CPB is highest under this method. • The median lethal dose of CPB for mice is greater than 20 g/kg, and it is non-toxic. • CPB have compounds with therapeutic potential for T2DM, which is predicted by UPLC-Orbitrip-MS/MS, HPLC, network pharmacology and molecular docking. • CPB has activity against α - glucosidase and can lower blood glucose levels in T2DM mice.