Phytochemical, pharmacognostic, and in silico investigation of the anti-diabetic potential of Elaeocarpus angustifolius seeds

Introduction: Elaeocarpus angustifolius has been traditionally used for hyperglycemia, but most of its pharmacognostic and pharmacological properties remain underexplored. This study provided an evaluation of integrating pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical analyses of its seeds with network pharmacology to explore its potential in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management. Methods: Microscopic analysis was conducted to confirm species authentication. Physicochemical parameters, including moisture content, total ash, and acid-insoluble ash, were assessed. Phytochemical screening detected bioactive compounds, and thin-layer chromatography detected the presence of quercetin. Network pharmacology analysis was performed to predict potential metabolic and inflammatory pathways influenced by key bioactive compounds. Pathway enrichment, gene-disease association and Reactome pathway analyses were used to determine molecular targets relevant to glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Results: Microscopic analysis confirmed species authentication through the presence of prism crystals, sclereids, and oil glands. Physicochemical evaluation indicated low moisture content (6.5%), suggesting good stability, while total ash (3.2%) and acid-insoluble ash (0.8%) supported the sample’s purity. The presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, and phenols was discovered using phytochemical screening. Network pharmacology analysis demonstrated significant pathway enrichment in PI3K/Akt (P = 0.003), AMPK (P = 0.007), insulin (P = 0.012), and TNF signalling (P = 0.015) pathways. Further gene enrichment revealed MAPK1, PIK3R2, and NFKB1 as key targets significantly associated with T2DM (P < 0.05), compared to expected random gene-pathway associations. Conclusion: This study revealed E. angustifolius as a promising candidate for diabetes management through its influence on key metabolic pathways. However, experimental and clinical trials should confirm its usage.