# Combined Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology to Reveal Anti-Diabetic Mechanisms and Potential Pharmacological Components of Synsepalum dulcificum

## TL;DR

This study explores the anti-diabetic properties of Synsepalum dulcificum by analyzing its metabolites and using network pharmacology to identify potential therapeutic components.

## Contribution

The study combines metabolomics and network pharmacology to uncover the anti-diabetic mechanisms and active components of Synsepalum dulcificum.

## Key findings

- Identified 2544 secondary metabolites, mainly flavonoids and triterpenes, in different tissues of Synsepalum dulcificum.
- Flavonoids were found to be the most abundant and differentially expressed compounds across tissues.
- Potential anti-diabetic components were validated through in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition assays.

## Abstract

The plant Synsepalum dulcificum is notable for its considerable edible and medicinal value, with a longstanding history as a folk remedy for diabetes. Its chemical constituents are rich and structurally diverse. However, there is limited information regarding the metabolic basis of these characteristics, and the biological activities and mechanisms underlying its blood glucose-lowering effects remain incompletely understood. In this study, we conducted a widely targeted metabolomics analysis of the stems, leaves, and fruits of S. dulcificum using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS to compare the differences in metabolite profiles among these three tissue types. Our analysis identified a total of 2544 secondary metabolites, primarily consisting of flavonoids and triterpenes, categorized into thirteen distinct compound classes. We selected differential metabolites through multivariate statistical analysis, revealing significant differences among the metabolite profiles of the three tissue types, with flavonoids being the most abundant compounds. Furthermore, we investigated the anti-diabetic mechanisms and potential pharmacological components of S. dulcificum utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. Finally, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the potential active components was evaluated using in vitro experiments. These findings establish a foundation for the future application of S. dulcificum in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.