LC-MS profiling and antidiabetic evaluation of ethanolic root extract of Asparagus curillus Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion or action and represents a major global health concern, with high prevalence in India. Although several antidiabetic drugs are available, their side effects and limited efficacy highlight the need for safer alternatives, such as traditionally used medicinal plants, such as Asparagus curillus. Methodology: This work used LC-MS to create the phytochemical profile of the ERE of A. curillus and tested for its anti-diabetic potential in STZ-induced diabetic rats. FBG level and biochemical markers, including lipid profile, insulin, HOMA-IR, liver and kidney function, and HbA1c, were measured. Kidney, liver, and pancreatic tissues were examined microscopically. Results & Discussion: LC-MS analysis identified twelve major phytoconstituents, mainly steroidal saponins including Shatavarin I, Shatavarin IV, and sarsasapogenin. The ERE produced dose-dependent changes in the biological parameters. At the dose of 200 mg/kg, ERE reduced FBG by 37% and HbA1c by 22%, while at 400 mg/kg, reductions of 42% in FBG and 25% in HbA1c were observed compared to the diabetic control. Histopathological examination of organs showed corresponding microscopic changes consistent with the biochemical findings. Conclusion: The ERE showed significant antidiabetic activity, improving glycemic indices, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and renal parameters, as supported by histopathological findings. LC-MS confirmed the presence of steroidal saponins, suggesting that the extract may serve as a potential natural antidiabetic agent. However, further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism and to validate it in clinical trials.