In vitro evaluation of the antidiabetic potential of a herbomineral formulation (GASY) through enzyme inhibition, glucose uptake, and cytotoxicity assays

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by impaired glucose homeostasis and associated long-term complications. Traditional herbomineral formulations have been used in the management of metabolic disorders, but their biological effects require systematic experimental evaluation. This study evaluated the in vitro activity of a herbomineral formulation (GASY) containing Gymnema sylvestre, Areca catechu, Shilajeet (Mumie), and Yashada Bhasma. Antidiabetic activity was assessed using α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assays, while glucose uptake was evaluated in HepG2 and yeast cell models and cytotoxicity was assessed in HepG2 cells using the Resazurin reduction assay. Assays were performed using three technical replicate wells within a single experimental run. GASY exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, with IC₅₀ values of 483.8 µg/mL and 654.3 µg/mL, respectively. The formulation enhanced glucose uptake in HepG2 cells, achieving a maximum uptake of 60.83% at 1200 µg/mL. HepG2 cell viability remained above 80% across the experimentally tested concentration range of 10–1200 µg/mL, and 50% cytotoxicity was not reached within this range. In the yeast glucose uptake assay, GASY produced a concentration-dependent increase in glucose uptake, reaching a maximum response of 23.75% at 1200 µg/mL under the 50 mM glucose condition. These findings provide preliminary in vitro evidence of biological activity relevant to glucose metabolism; however, they do not establish specific molecular mechanisms, synergistic interactions among formulation constituents, therapeutic efficacy, or general safety. Further studies involving comprehensive formulation characterization, independent biological replication, mechanistic investigations, and appropriate in vivo models are warranted.