Anemarrhenae rhizoma combined with Trichosanthis radix 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 Anemarrhenae rhizoma (Zhimu) and Trichosanthis radix (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 in vitro 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.