Assessment of the Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic activity of Solanum torvum Ethanolic Extract in HepG2 Cells

Diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia are closely linked metabolic conditions that play a major role in causing cardiovascular issues and liver impairment. Natural products abundant in phytoconstituents have attracted interest as possible therapeutic agents that can influence several metabolic pathways at once. This study examined the dual antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Solanum torvum ethanolic extract ( STEE) using HepG2 cells in an in vitro setting. HepG2 cells were grown under standard conditions and exposed to STEE at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 µg/ mL. Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. Insulin resistance was induced by high glucose, while lipid accumulation was induced by palmitate and oleic acid. The study assessed glucose uptake, glycogen levels, intracellular triglycerides, cholesterol concentrations, lipid buildup, and the expression of the GLUT4 and HMG-CoA reductase genes. Results from STEE showed a significant improvement in glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis, in a concentration-dependent manner. The treatment also decreased intracellular lipid buildup, triglyceride levels, and total cholesterol. Gene expression analysis showed significant increases in GLUT4 and decreases in HMG-CoA reductase at higher concentrations. The effects seen with STEE at 100 µg/mL were comparable to those of standard drugs. Conclusion: The findings show that STEE has notable antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects by influencing glucose and lipid metabolic pathways. These effects indicate its potential as a natural therapeutic option for metabolic disorders linked to diabetes and dyslipidemia.