Insulinotropic and anti-obesity properties of ethno-medicinal plants: pharmacology-based and <i>in-silico</i> predictions

The herbal extracts of four traditional plants; namely <i>Gymnema sylvestre</i> leaves, <i>Garcinia cambogia</i> fruits<i>, Cleome droserifolia</i> leaves, and <i>Nigella sativa</i> seeds, were identified for their main constituents using UHPLC/QTOF-MS/MS. Then, a pharmacology-based analysis and molecular docking verification were established targeting the evaluation of each individual herbal extract for their antidiabetic/anti-obesity potential besides their safety. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were used to evaluate antiobesity and insulinotropic effects against insulin (10 U/Kg, IP) and metformin (100 mg/Kg, per oral) as standard regimens. Levels of insulin and fasting blood glucose as well as body weight were assessed, together with certain histopathological, hematological, and biochemical parameters to establish safety profiles. The four herbal extracts exhibited an increase in insulin secretion <i>in-vivo</i>, which is confirmed by docking studies. The herbal extracts (100 mg/kg per oral, daily) demonstrated a significant weight decrease. Each individual herbal extract markedly improved the streptozotocin-induced indices alterations.