In-Vitro and In-Silico Analysis of Artemisia maciverae Leaf Extracts for Hypoglycaemic Activity Against Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health challenge characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia due to impaired insulin secretion or action. This study investigates the hypoglycaemic potential of Artemisia maciverae, a medicinal plant traditionally used in northern Nigeria for diabetes management. Ethyl acetate and aqueous leaf extracts of A. maciverae were subjected to phytochemical analysis, fractionation, and in vitro enzyme inhibition assays against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. Seven fractions (A-G) were obtained, with Fraction B showing the lowest IC50 values (2.975 μg/ml for alpha-amylase and 3.000 μg/ml for alpha-glucosidase). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 17 bioactive compounds in Fraction B, including 1,1-Dimethoxyhexane, Cyclopropanepentanoic acid, and Oleic Acid. Molecular docking studies revealed strong binding affinities of these compounds to the target enzymes, with binding energies ranging from -4.0 to -6.3 Kcal/mol. The compounds also complied with the Lipinski Rule of Five, indicating good drug-likeness properties. These findings suggest that A. maciverae extracts possess significant hypoglycaemic activity, mediated through the inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, and highlight their potential as natural therapeutic agents for diabetes management.