Targeted UHPLC-QTOF-MS profiling coupled with anti-hyperglycaemic and nephroprotective evaluation of <i>Acrostichum aureum</i> L. aerial parts

The study explores the phytoconstituents in <i>A. aureum</i> and evaluates the <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> bioactivity in anti-hyperglycaemic and nephroprotective assays. Targeted UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis tentatively identified 9 compounds. <i>In vitro</i> enzyme inhibition assays demonstrated inhibition (IC₅₀) of α-glucosidase (40.85 ± 0.6 μg/mL) and α-amylase (45.12 ± 0.28 μg/mL), comparable to acarbose (19.65 ± 0.58 μg/mL and 22.54 ± 0.28 μg/mL, respectively).

The extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight reduced fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels, along with improvements in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urine microalbumin, in a high-fat diet–induced diabetic rat model treated with low-dose streptozotocin. Histopathological assessment showed reduced structural damage in the kidney, pancreas, and liver tissues. The study evaluates and links <i>A. aureum</i> phytoconstituents to the anti-hyperglycaemic and nephroprotective potential, providing a basis for further investigations to substantiate their potential as a source of bioactive natural products.</p>