Comprehensive Metabolomic and Bioactivity Profiling of Zingiberaceae Species From Manipur: Elucidating Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Mechanisms Through In Vitro and In Silico Approaches.

Introduction: The Zingiberaceae family is well known for its therapeutic characteristics, notably its antidiabetic and antioxidant potential, which may be linked to its diverse bioactive metabolite composition. Despite widespread usage in traditional medicine, there has been little research on the chemical composition and biological activity of Zingiberaceae plants from Manipur, India.

Objective: This study aims to comprehensively profile metabolites and evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of seven Zingiberaceae species through in vitro assays and in silico molecular docking analysis.

Methods: Hydroalcoholic extracts of Curcuma caesia, Kaempferia parviflora, Curcuma zedoaria, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma angustifolia, Curcuma aromatica, and Curcuma longa were examined. TPC and TFC were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu and Aluminum chloride colorimetry. Antidiabetic efficacy was assessed by α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition tests. DPPH and ABTS tests measured antioxidant activity. GC-MS was used for metabolite profiling, and molecular docking was used to explore bioactive compound-antidiabetic protein interactions (3L4Y, 5UBA, NOX1).

Results: C. caesia showed the highest TPC (85.41 GAE mg/g) and TFC (126.15 QE mg/g). Z. officinale, C. angustifolia, and K. parviflora exhibited significant α-glucosidase (74%-80%) and α-amylase (62%-73%) inhibition, surpassing acarbose. Strong antioxidant activity was observed, especially in C. caesia and Z. officinale. GC-MS identified 61 bioactive compounds, with molecular docking showing strong interactions of gingerol and zederone with 3L4Y and 5UBA, and germacrone and β-sesquiphellandrene with NOX1.

Conclusions: Seven Zingiberaceae species from Manipur exhibit notable antidiabetic and antioxidant potential, with C. caesia and Z. officinale showing superior efficacy. Key bioactives like gingerol, zederone, germacrone, and β-sesquiphellandrene demonstrated strong therapeutic target interactions, supporting their pharmacological potential.