<i>Anemarrhenae rhizoma</i> combined with <i>Trichosanthis radix</i> ameliorated type 2 diabetes in rats via the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway based on network pharmacology analysis

By combining network pharmacological analysis and animal model experiments, the research aims to understand the pharmacological profile and mechanisms of <i>Anemarrhenae rhizoma</i> (Zhimu) and <i>Trichosanthis radix</i> (Tianhuafen) herb-pair (AT) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analyses suggested that AT exerted pharmacological effects on T2DM by regulating PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Finally, molecular docking confirmed a strong binding affinity between AT with the core target proteins. Further <i>in vitro</i> experiments have confirmed that AT treatment significantly reduced body weight, blood glucose, and insulin levels, also blocking the activation of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.