In-vitro analysis, metabolic profiling and in-silico molecular docking analysis shows antidiabetic potential of phytofabricated cerium oxide nanoparticles against diabetes related receptors

Plants play a vital role in sustaining life on Earth, offering essential resources such as food, energy, shelter, and serving as a key source for drug development. Chemical pharmaceutics come with a range of disadvantages, including potential side effects, high costs, and limited availability in certain regions. There is an urgent need for sustainable, cost-effective, plant-based drug development approaches to ensure accessibility, minimize environmental impact, and promote long-term healthcare solutions. Nano biotechnology, focusing on nanoscale materials, has vast applications in drug delivery and therapy. This study synthesized Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) using Mentha piperita L. leaf extract, and analyzed their properties through UV–Vis spectrophotometry, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD. Various CeO2NPs Nano formulations were tested for antioxidant and antidiabetic efficacy via DPPH, ABTS, H2O2, alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, anti-sucrase assays, and glucose absorption in yeast cells. CeO2NPs were found to have an average size of 46–60 nm with spherical shape and decorated with various important functional groups. LCMS analysis identified compounds in the plant extract, which were then subjected to ADMET analysis. Selected compounds underwent molecular docking using Autodock Vina software. Results showed that CeO2NPs were 46–60 nm in size with highest antioxidant potential of 56.6% and 46.16% of DPPH and ABTS respectively at 500 ug/mL. Further, dose dependent response of CeO2NPs was found as 78.03% inhibition was shown against -amylase, 68.6% inhibition against α-Glucosidase, 59% inhibition against antisucrase, and 76% inhibition against glucose uptake by yeast cells at a concentration of 25 mmol/L glucose. LCMS analysis of plant extract resulted in total of 74 compounds, while ADMET analysis and virtual screening given in total of four bioactive compounds, Luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, Neoeriocitrin, Diosgenin and Apigetrin and out of which Luteolin-7- and Neoeriocitrin shown highest energy of − 10.4 kcal mol, 9.7 9.7 kcal mol−1 against alpha amylase, − 9.7 kcal mol−1 and 9.2 kcal.mol−1 against alpha glucosidase and 9.5 kcal mol−1 and 9.3 kcal mol−1 respectively against sucrase enzymes. Toxicity assessment and Lipinski rule of five revealed that all the four compounds are completely safe to be used as drug against diabetes and specifically for HBB. In conclusion, Mentha piperita L. CeO2NPs exhibit strong potential against antioxidant and hypoglycemia. Mentha contains various bioactive compounds with binding affinities to diabetes-related receptors, warranting further exploration for pharmaceutical applications.