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Common yellow woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta) as a tool for helping with Blood sugar / diabetes support
Alpha-glucosidase/amylase inhibition (congener).
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Diabetes mellitus is a major global health concern associated with severe metabolic and cardiovascular complications. This study evaluated the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Oxalis corniculata L. aerial parts, with a focus on α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition, using a combination of in vitro assays and in silico analyses. Among the tested fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity against both enzymes, with IC 50 values of 0.097 and 0.015 mg/mL for α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively, surpassing those of the reference drug, acarbose. This fraction also demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, with IC 50 values of 0.025 and 0.020 mg/mL in DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms beyond digestive enzyme inhibition, bioactive constituents were screened and evaluated using network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations confirmed stable and energetically favorable interactions with α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the antidiabetic effects of O. corniculata involve modulation of insulin resistance-related pathways, particularly PI3K/Akt signaling, GLUT4 translocation, and inflammation-associated targets, alongside regulation of oxidative stress through redox-related enzymes. Complementary DFT analysis provided molecular-level insights into the antioxidant mechanisms, highlighting favorable electronic properties that support efficient radical scavenging. Overall, this integrated experimental-computational study provided valuable evidence of O. corniculata aerial parts as a promising multi-target phytotherapeutic candidate for diabetes management, extending its therapeutic relevance beyond α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition.
1 source supporting Common yellow woodsorrel for Blood sugar / diabetes support. Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering) action. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
Oxalis corniculata L., a globally distributed herbaceous plant, has garnered significant scientific interest for its extensive phytochemical richness and diverse pharmacological potential. This review comprehensively explores the plant's chemical diversity, nutritional profile, and biomedical applications by synthesizing findings from recent studies. The plant is notably abundant in flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, tannins, and essential nutrients, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and wound-healing properties. Various extraction techniques and analytical approaches have identified key bioactive compounds responsible for these therapeutic effects. Furthermore, its traditional use as an edible plant aligns with current trends in nutraceutical and functional food development. The integration of O. corniculata into modern healthcare, however, requires standardization of dosage, safety profiling, and clinical validation. Current gaps in pharmacokinetics, toxicity data, and multi-omics characterization underscore the need for future interdisciplinary research. The review concludes that O. corniculata holds immense promise as a phytopharmaceutical candidate and nutritional resource, provided its applications are grounded in rigorous scientific validation. This work provides a consolidated reference for future pharmacognostic, nutritional, and clinical studies aimed at unlocking the full therapeutic potential of this underutilized medicinal herb.