Targeted UHPLC-QTOF-MS profiling coupled with anti-hyperglycaemic and nephroprotective evaluation of Acrostichum aureum L. aerial parts

Acrostichum aureum L. (Pteridaceae) is traditionally used to manage diabetes and murky urine. The study explores the phytoconstituents in A. aureum and evaluates the in vitro and in vivo bioactivity in anti-hyperglycaemic and nephroprotective assays. Targeted UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis tentatively identified 9 compounds. In vitro enzyme inhibition assays demonstrated inhibition (IC50) of α-glucosidase (40.85 ± 0.6 μg/mL) and α-amylase (45.12 ± 0.28 μg/mL), comparable to acarbose (19.65 ± 0.58 μg/mL and 22.54 ± 0.28 μg/mL, respectively). The extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight reduced fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels, along with improvements in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urine microalbumin, in a high-fat diet–induced diabetic rat model treated with low-dose streptozotocin. Histopathological assessment showed reduced structural damage in the kidney, pancreas, and liver tissues. The study evaluates and links A. aureum phytoconstituents to the anti-hyperglycaemic and nephroprotective potential, providing a basis for further investigations to substantiate their potential as a source of bioactive natural products.