DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings
Document Type
Paper Presentation
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Santiago-Santos, Jane Abigail M.
Abstract/Executive Summary
Diabetes is a global health concern, leading to increased efforts to explore alternative treatments. Annona muricata, commonly known as Guyabano, is frequently used in traditional medicine, particularly its leaves and fruits, to alleviate symptoms associated with diabetes. However, despite its widespread use, limited research has explored the molecular mechanisms of bioactive compounds in A. muricata leaves in relation to anti-diabetic effects. This study aimed to bridge this gap by using in silico methods to examine the interactions between bioactive compounds from A. muricata leaves and human proteins implicated in anti-diabetic activity. Bioinformatics tools, including molecular docking and pathway mapping, were employed to assess the binding affinities of these compounds with target proteins and to explore their roles in key metabolic pathways related to diabetes. Key anti-diabetic proteins explored in this study include Glucokinase (GCK), Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4), Methylmalonyl-CoA epimerase (MCEE), Glycogen-2 (GYG2), and AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK). The bioactive compounds in A. muricata leaves exhibited varying binding affinities with these proteins, with Gallic Acid, Kaempferol rutinoside, and Murihexocin B showing the strongest affinity for GCK, Catechin, Epicatechin, and Kaempferol glucoside demonstrating the highest affinity for AMPK, and Kaempferol, Muricatocin A, Muricatocin C, and Quercetin interacting with DPP-4. Additionally, Muricatocin C showed a strong interaction with GYG2. These findings suggest that bioactive compounds in A. muricata leaves may interact with key anti-diabetic proteins, potentially providing a molecular basis for the plant's traditional use in managing diabetes.
Keywords
Annona muricata; anti-diabetic; molecular docking; pathway mapping; diabetes