PANCREATIC ENZYME MODULATION AND METABOLIC PATHWAY REGULATION BY BAUHINIA VARIEGATA FLAVONOIDS: AN INTEGRATED IN SILICO, BIOCHEMICAL AND KEGG PATHWAY INVESTIGATIONS

Abstract

Bauhinia variegata is a rich source of bioactive flavonoids, like Apigenin 7 -O -glucoside, Kaempferol-3-glucoside, and Quercetin, which have received a lot of attention as far as their therapeutic potential in glucose and lipid metabolism is concerned. The enzyme modulatory properties of these flavonoids have been investigated in silico through docking, in vitro enzyme assays and KEGG pathway enrichment. Docking of Apigenin 7-O-glucoside and Kaempferol-3-glucoside in-silico revealed good binding affinity with enzymes like alpha-amylase and lipase which are involved in the breakdown of starch and fats. The inhibitory activity of Bauhinia variegata extracts against alpha-amylase and lipase was also validated on rats with hyperglycemia in-vitro and it would be beneficial in the regulation of glucose release from the postprandial period and lipid absorption. The role of these flavonoids in important metabolic pathways was identified by KEGG pathway analysis; they are involved in starch and sucrose metabolism, cholesterol metabolism and other pathways, such as biosynthesis of bile acids and metabolism of lipids and steroids, etc. Toxicity forecast indicated that Apigenin 7-O-glucoside, Kaempferol-3-glucoside were less toxic and thus safer to use therapeutically and Quercetin had moderate toxicity, particularly neuro- and hepatotoxicity. The obtained results suggest that Bauhinia variegata flavonoids is an interesting class of natural enzyme inhibitors with two beneficial effects in diabetes and obesity control. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy, bioavailability, and potential synergistic effects with other diabetic medications, which could aid in the formulation of comprehensive treatment plans.