Exploring the therapeutic potential of Anoectochilus roxburghii in glucose and lipid metabolism disorder: From phenotypic effects to molecular mechanisms and network pharmacology.

Dysregulation of glucose and lipid metabolism has emerged as a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases worldwide. The current treatment for these diseases is often a combination of drugs. Despite the preference efficacy of combination therapies, adverse reactions have been frequently reported, such as gastrointestinal bleeding. Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl., one of the traditional Chinese medicines, is recognized for its hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects. However, the exact therapeutic potential of A. roxburghii in glucose and lipid metabolism remains unsolved. By employing in vitro and in vivo experiments, this study evaluated the pharmacological activities of A. roxburghii and identified the primary active compounds involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. The results indicated that A. roxburghii can ameliorate dysregulation in glucose and lipid metabolism by promoting glycogen synthesis, and inhibiting gluconeogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. Using UHPLC-QE-MS, a total of 662 compounds were detected in the aqueous extract of A. roxburghii, and 769 were identified in the ethanol extract. Key ingredients such as morin and kaempferol participated in glucose metabolism, while kinsenoside and naringenin modulating lipid metabolism. Furthermore, A. roxburghii may potentially intervene in the insulin resistance signaling pathway by influencing TP53 protein expression, thereby modulating glucose metabolism process. This research provides evidence for the development and application of A. roxburghii as potential drugs in the treatment of glucose and lipid disordered diseases.