Saponins derived from Gynostemma pentaphyllum regulate triglyceride and cholesterol metabolism and the mechanisms: A review

Gypenosides Attenuates CORT-Induced Ferroptosis via Inhibiting TNF-α/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in PC12 Cells

Chronic stress can lead to nervous system dysfunction and depression-like behaviors in animals. Gypenosides can improve chronic stress-induced neuronal damage, but the protective mechanism remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of gypenosides on chronic stress-induced neuronal ferroptosis. Therefore, we established a chronic stress-induced neuronal damage model in vitro using corticosterone to induce PC12 cell injury. We demonstrated that ferroptosis inhibitors DFO and Ferrostatin-1 alleviated corticosterone-induced cell death in PC12 cells by reducing iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and increasing cell viability. Meanwhile, gypenosides attenuated ferroptosis agonist Erastin-induced ferroptosis in PC12 cells. Then, gypenosides ameliorated corticosterone-induced ferroptosis in PC12 cells. In terms of molecular mechanisms, gypenosides decreased the expression of Hepcidin and DMT1, and increased the expression of Ferritin and FPN1, thereby improving corticosterone-induced iron homeostasis disorders and iron accumulation. Moreover, gypenosides improved corticosterone-induced lipid peroxidation by inhibiting GLS2 expression, upregulating the expression of SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4, and reducing glutamate accumulation and GSH depletion. Gypenosides also reduced corticosterone-induced release of inflammatory cytokines, the expression of TNFR1, and the phosphorylation of NF-κB and p53 in PC12 cells. These findings indicate that gypenosides attenuate corticosterone-induced ferroptosis by inhibiting TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway in PC12 cells.

GSK-3β dysregulation in aging: Implications for tau pathology and Alzheimer's disease progression

The role of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is critical for linking amyloid-beta (Aβ) and Tau pathology. The activity of GSK-3β is dysregulated in the regulation of Tau hyperphosphorylation, formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and production of Aβ by modulating amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing. This review discusses the mechanisms controlling GSK-3β dysregulation in aging and its influence on AD progression, focusing on the role of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and defective signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt and Wnt. Critical analysis is presented for therapeutic strategies targeting GSK-3β using natural compounds (e.g., curcumin, geniposide) and emerging approaches such as TREM2 modulation and miRNA therapies. In preclinical models, these interventions promise to reduce Tau hyperphosphorylation and Aβ burden, along with associated neurodegeneration. Nevertheless, achieving selective GSK-3β inhibition and optimizing drug delivery are still critical barriers to clinical translation. This review underscores the central role of GSK-3β in AD pathogenesis to highlight its potential as a multifaceted therapeutic target of an innovative strategy for treating this complex neurodegenerative disease.

Natural products modulating MAPK for CRC treatment: a promising strategy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system, and the pathogenic mechanism is still unclear, mostly related to genetics, immunity, inflammation, and abnormal activation of tumor-related signaling pathways. MAPK belongs to the Ser/Thr kinase family, which plays an important role in complex cellular programs such as the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and tumor metastasis. Increasing evidence supports that MAPK activation is highly correlated with the risk of CRC. Targeting MAPK may be a therapeutic strategy, and natural products show great therapeutic potential in regulating MAPK-related proteins. In this paper, we searched PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI databases with keywords "colorectal cancer, natural products, MAPK pathway, ERK, P38, JNK" for relevant studies in the last 14 years from 2010 to 2024. This work retrieved 47 studies, aiming to provide new therapeutic strategies for CRC patients and lay the foundation for new drug development.

Natural Saponins on Cholesterol-Related Diseases: Treatment and Mechanism

Saponins are compounds composed of lipophilic aglycones linked to hydrophilic sugars. Natural saponins are isolated from plants and some Marine organisms. As important cholesterol-lowering drugs, natural saponins have attracted wide attention for their therapeutic potential in a variety of cholesterol-related metabolic diseases. To review the effects of natural saponins on cholesterol-related metabolic diseases, and to deepen the understanding of the cholesterol-lowering mechanism of saponins. The literature related to saponins and cholesterol-lowering diseases was collected using keywords "saponins" and "cholesterol" from PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to May 2024. The total number of articles related to saponins and cholesterol-lowering diseases was 240 after excluding irrelevant articles. Natural saponins can regulate cholesterol to prevent and treat a variety of diseases, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, liver disease, hyperlipidemia, cancer, and obesity. Mechanistically, natural saponins regulate cholesterol synthesis and uptake through the AMPK/SREBP2/3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase pathway and PCSK9/LDLR pathway, and regulate cholesterol efflux and esterification targeting Liver X receptor/ABC pathway and ACAT family. Natural saponins have broad application prospects in regulating cholesterol metabolism, for the development of more cholesterol-lowering drugs provides a new train of thought. However, it is still necessary to further explore the molecular mechanism and expand clinical trials to provide more evidence.

Therapeutic Potential of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Extract for Hair Health Enhancement: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Hair health critically influences both aesthetic appearance and psychological well-being. Existing treatments often show limited efficacy and may cause side effects. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP), known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has emerged as a promising botanical agent, although clinical evidence regarding its hair health benefits remains limited. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GP extract in improving hair parameters through a randomized controlled trial. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 100 eligible adults aged 19-60 years who were randomly allocated to either the GP or placebo group. Participants consumed 340 mL/day of the test product for 24 weeks. The primary outcomes included hair elasticity, density, diameter, glossiness, and subjective satisfaction. Safety was evaluated through laboratory tests and adverse event monitoring. Results: After 24 weeks, the GP group showed a threefold increase in hair elasticity and density and a fourfold increase in hair diameter compared to the placebo group. The subjective satisfaction scores corroborated these findings: the GP users reported better outcomes in terms of reducing hair damage and dryness. No significant differences in hair glossiness were observed based on the instrumental and visual assessments (p > 0.05). The safety evaluations revealed no severe adverse events. All the safety evaluation metrics demonstrated no significant abnormalities. Conclusions: This study provides compelling evidence of the efficacy of GP extract in enhancing hair health, demonstrating both significant functional improvements and an excellent safety profile. These findings substantiate its potential as a promising functional food ingredient for comprehensive hair care interventions.

Utilizing High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Data Mining Strategy in R Programming Language for Rapid Annotation of Absorbed Prototypes and Metabolites of Gypenosides

The rapid and accurate annotation of the complex compounds and metabolites in natural products remains a significant challenge. In this study, we developed an integrated strategy to efficiently and accurately profile both the prototypes and metabolites of natural products in vivo. And this was achieved by establishing a gypenosides constituent database and utilizing R programming language to combine sample selection, virtual metabolite database construction, polygon mass defect filtering, and Kendrick mass defect filtering. In addition, the annotation strategy was successfully applied to identify the prototypes and metabolites of gypenosides in mice serum. As a case study, gypenoside LXXV was used to validate the feasibility of this approach. The results demonstrated 36 prototypes and 108 metabolites were annotated from the serum by the established annotation strategy. The prototype and eight metabolites of gypenoside LXXV were further confirmed, indicating that the proposed strategy is available. This study provides a novel approach for the rapid and accurate identification of prototypes and metabolites of natural products and offers new insights into the metabolic processes of gypenosides in vivo.

Recent advances in the anti-tumor activities of saponins through cholesterol regulation

Abnormal cholesterol metabolism has become a popular therapeutic target in cancer therapy. In recent years there has been a surge in interest in the anti-tumor activities of saponins, particularly their ability to disrupt cholesterol homeostasis in tumor cells. Cholesterol regulation by saponins is a complex process that involves multiple mechanisms. However, there are now a notable dearth of comprehensive reviews addressing their anti-tumor effects through cholesterol modulation. This review will explore the intricate mechanisms by which saponins regulate cholesterol, including modulation of synthesis, metabolism, and uptake, as well as complex formation with cholesterol. It will also outline how saponins exert their anti-cancer activities through cholesterol regulation, enhancing cytotoxicity, inhibiting tumor cell metastasis, reversing drug resistance, inducing immunotoxin macromolecule escape, and ferroptosis. This comprehensive analysis offers insights into the potential for the use of saponins anti-tumor therapies and their combinations with other drugs, advancing the understanding of their effects on cancer cells.

Phytochemical diversity, therapeutic potential, and ecological roles of the Cecropia genus

The genus Cecropia, a pivotal component of Neotropical flora, is renowned for its integration of traditional medicinal uses with significant ecological functions. This review aims to highlight the phytochemical diversity and pharmacological activities of the Cecropia genus, with a particular focus on well-documented species such as C. angustifolia, C. glaziovii, and C. pachystachya. Through a comprehensive review of the literature and current studies, this review identifies critical phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, and correlates these compounds with biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Notably, the review delves into the pharmacological potential of less than ten out of the sixty-six accepted Cecropia species, revealing a significant research opportunity within the genus. The findings advocate for intensified drug discovery initiatives involving advanced phytochemical analyses, bioactivity assessments, and the integration of conservation strategies. These efforts are crucial for the sustainable utilization of new therapeutic agents for Cecropia species. Additionally, this review discusses the ecological roles of Cecropia, particularly its contributions to forest regeneration and its symbiotic relationships with ants and proposes future research directions aimed at bridging current knowledge gaps and enhancing conservation measures for this valuable genus.

Neuroprotective effects of gypenosides on LPS-induced anxiety and depression-like behaviors

AIM

Depression, a prevalent mental disorder, significantly impairs the quality of life and social functioning. Targeting neuroinflammation is a promising therapeutic approach, highlighting the need for natural neuroprotective agents. Gypenosides (Gyp) from Gynostemma pentaphyllum exhibit anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated whether Gyp, isolated and purified by our laboratory, can exert neuroprotective effects by modulating neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of mice with LPS-induced anxiety and depression, thereby ameliorating behavioral phenotypes.

METHODS

LPS (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce anxiety and depression-like behaviors. Gyp was administered at 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg in pretreatment, with fluoxetine hydrochloride (Flu) as a positive control, for 10 consecutive days.

RESULTS

Gyp, especially at 100 mg/kg, significantly ameliorated LPS-induced anxiety and depression in mice, normalizing cytokine expression in the hippocampus and PFC, with IL-1β showing the most pronounced regulation (Hippocampus: RatioGyp-100/LPS = 30.73 %, PFC: RatioGyp-100/LPS = 55.89 %). Gyp also reversed LPS-induced neuronal loss and necrosis, reduced glial cell activation, and prevented the transition of microglia to the M1 phenotype. Mechanistically, Gyp suppressed the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the PFC, and modulated hippocampal synaptic protein loss, thereby mediating neuroinflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Gyp improved anxiety and depression in LPS-induced mice, which may be achieved by balancing systemic inflammatory levels, regulating glial cell activation and phenotypic polarization, regulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and suppressing the NLRP3/Caspase-1/ASC signaling pathway in the PFC.

Gypenoside A-loaded mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles ameliorate high-glucose-induced retinal microvasculopathy by inhibiting ferroptosis

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the chronic microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which will cause retinal detachment and blindness without ideal therapies. Gypenoside A (GPA) are the main bioactive compound from Gynostemma pentaphyllum, and have various pharmacological effects. However, it suffered from poor bioavailability and potential cardiotoxicity in the clinical application. To overcome those limitations, in this study, nearly spherical nanoparticles (GPA-NP) with a mean particle size of 140.6 ± 22.4 nm were prepared by encapsulating GPA into mPEG-PLGA. This encapsulation efficiency was 84.4 ± 6.9 %, and the drug load was 4.02 %±0.35 %. The results showed that GPA-NP displayed more prolonged GPA release and higher bioavailability in vitro than GPA. GPA-NP obviously reduced the levels of oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines in both retinal tissues of DR mice and high glucose-exposed HRMEC better than GPA alone. Mechanismly, GPA blocked the Nrf2-Keap1 interaction by binding with Kelch domain of Keap1 via alkyl and hydrogen bonds. Therefore, GPA-NP exerted more potent protectivity effects against high glucose-induced retinal microvascular endothelial ferroptosis in vitro and in vivo by activating Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway. It could be a promising therapeutic agent for preventing DR.

The potential of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and its interaction with the LOX1-PI3K-AKT-eNOS pathway

Gynostemma pentaphyllum, a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used to treat various diseases, but its therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action on hyperlipidemia remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of Danshen leaf on hyperlipidemia through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cellular experiments, elucidating its multifaceted mechanism of action within the LOX1-PI3K-AKT-eNOS pathway. First, the active ingredients and targets of G. pentaphyllum were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. Then, targets for hyperlipidemia were identified using the OMIM and GeneCards databases, and potential therapeutic targets for G. pentaphyllum in treating hyperlipidemia were determined. An active ingredient-target network was constructed using Cytoscape software, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built and visualized using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. Finally, GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed, and the predicted mechanisms were validated through molecular docking and cell experiments. 85 targets for G. pentaphyllum and 1556 for Hyperlipidemia were screened, with 53 common targets. Twenty-four active ingredients of G. pentaphyllum were found to be involved in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Key nodes such as Rhamnazin, Isofucosterol, and quercetin, and targets NCOA2, NR3C2, PGR, and PPARG showed high relevance. In the PPI network, 8 nodes, including IL6, PPARG, and VEGFA, exhibited high centrality. GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that G. pentaphyllum may treat hyperlipidemia by influencing various biological functions and pathways, such as DNA-binding transcription factor binding, RNA polymerase II-specific DNA-binding transcription factor binding, and lipid and atherosclerosis. Cell experiments demonstrated that G. pentaphyllum significantly regulated the expression of key proteins in the LOX1-PI3K-AKT-eNOS pathway, thereby improving hyperlipidemia. G. pentaphyllum improves hyperlipidemia by mediating the LOX1-PI3K-AKT-eNOS pathway. This study provides a new theoretical basis and experimental evidence for applying G. pentaphyllum to treating hyperlipidemia.

Gypenoside LXXV Alleviates Colitis by Reprograming Macrophage Polarization via the Glucocorticoid Receptor Pathway

An imbalance in the macrophage phenotype is closely related to various inflammatory diseases. Here, we discovered that gypenoside LXXV (GP-75), a type of saponin from Gynostemma pentaphyllum, can reprogram M1-like macrophages into M2-like ones. On a mechanistic level, GP-75 inhibits NF-κB-COX2 signaling by targeting the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Administration of GP-75, either orally or by intraperitoneal injection, significantly alleviates ulcerative colitis in mice, a pathogenesis associated with macrophage polarization. Clodronate liposomes, which deplete macrophages in mice, as well as GR antagonist RU486, abrogate the anticolitis effect of GP-75, thus confirming the pivotal role of macrophages in GP-75 function. We also showed that GP-75 has no toxicity in mice. Overall, this is the first report that demonstrates the effect of GP-75 on macrophage reprograming and as an agent against colitis. Because G. pentaphyllum is gaining popularity as a functional food, our findings offer new perspectives on the use of gypenosides as potential nutraceuticals for medical purposes.

Investigating the Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, and Chondroprotective Effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino in Osteoarthritis: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related disease characterized by inflammation, pain, articular cartilage damage, synovitis, and irreversible disability. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GP), a herbal medicine traditionally used in East Asia for its anti-inflammatory properties, was investigated for its potential to modulate OA pathology and symptoms. This study evaluated GP's efficacy in inhibiting pain, functional decline, and cartilage destruction in monosodium iodoacetate-induced OA and acetic acid-induced writhing models. Additionally, the effects of GP on OA-related inflammatory targets were assessed via mRNA and protein expression in rat knee cartilage and lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The GP group demonstrated significant pain relief, functional improvement, and cartilage protection. Notably, GP inhibited key inflammatory mediators, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-3 and MMP-13, cyclooxygenase-2, and prostaglandin E receptor 2, surpassing the effects of active controls. These findings suggest that GP is a promising candidate for disease-modifying OA drugs and warrants further comprehensive studies.

Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations shed light on the mechanism behind Gynostemma pentaphyllum's efficacy against osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of malignant bone tumor, that poses a serious threat to the lives and health of children and adolescents. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have gained attention for treating OS because of their potent anti-cancer effects and fewer side effects. It is commonly understood that Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GP) exhibits inhibitory effects on most tumors. However, the knowledge of the systematic mechanisms involved is limited. In this study, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) was searched to screen the effective ingredients and corresponding target genes of GP, and disease target databases were searched to identify relevant targets for OS. Venn analysis was used to visualize overlapping genes, which were further extracted using the protein-protein interaction network. R software was used to conduct gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation further validate the binding efficacy of potential therapeutic targets to compound molecules. In total, 161 and 1981 proteins were identified as target genes of GP and OS, respectively, and 104 overlapping genes were identified. Through analysis of the core subnetwork, 12 hub genes were identified, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was the most significant. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations show that a high affinity between quercetin and these targets, especially with the combination of TNF free energy (Δ Gbind) minimum, MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA is 42.85 kcal/mol, respectively, and 45.29 kcal/mol. The active ingredients Rhamnazin and Quercetin in Gypenoylum play a therapeutic role in OS through several key targets and pathways. This study provides ideas and references for further research on drug development.

New Sweet-Tasting Gypenosides from "Jiaogulan" (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) and Their Interactions with the Homology Model of Sweet Taste Receptors

Gynostemma pentaphyllum has been used as an herbal tea, vegetable, and dietary supplement for hundreds of years in East Asia. The sweet variety, grown in large areas in Fujian Province, China, is an essential source of "Jiaogulan" herbal tea. However, its sweet components are unknown. To investigate the sweet constituents of Fujian "Jiaogulan" and discover new natural high-potency sweeteners, phytochemical and sensory evaluations were combined to obtain 15 saponins, of which 11 (1-11) were sweet-tasting, including 2 new ones with sweetness intensities 20-200 times higher than that of sucrose, and four (12-15) were bitter-tasting. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods (NMR, MS, IR, UV), hydrolysis, and comparison with literature data. The contents of the 15 saponins were quantitatively analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The contents of 1 and 2 sweet-tasting gypenosides were 9.913 ± 1.735 and 35.852 ± 1.739 mg/kg, respectively. The content of the sweetest compound (6) was 124.969 ± 0.961 mg/kg. Additionally, compound 4 was the most abundant sweet component (422.530 ± 3.702 mg/kg). Furthermore, molecular docking results suggested interactions of sweet saponins with sweet taste receptors. In general, this study revealed the material basis of the Fujian "Jiaogulan" taste.

Interaction between lactic acid bacteria and Polygonatum sibiricum saponins and its application to microencapsulated co-delivery

This study aimed to investigate the interaction between L.casei and L.bulgaricus with Polygonatum sibiricum saponins (PSS) and to explore the co-microencapsulation to reduce their loss rate during storage and consumption. 1% PSS was added to the culture broth, and it was found that the growth and metabolism of the strains were accelerated, especially in the compound probiotic group, indicating that PSS has potential for prebiotics. LC-MS observed significant differences in the composition and content of saponins in PSS. The metabolomics results suggest that the addition of PSS resulted in significant changes in the metabolites of probiotics. In addition, it was found that the combination of probiotics and PSS may have stronger hypoglycemic ability (ɑ-glucosidase, HepG2). Finally, a co-microencapsulated delivery system was constructed using zein and isomaltooligosaccharide. This system can achieve more excellent resistance of probiotics and PSS in gastrointestinal fluids, effectively transporting both to the small intestine.

Gypenosides exert cardioprotective effects by promoting mitophagy and activating PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/Mcl-1 signaling

Background

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino, a well-known edible and medicinal plant, has anti-aging properties and is used to treataging-associated conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Gypenosides (GYPs) are the primary constituents of G. pentaphyllum. Increasing evidence indicates that GYPs are effective at preserving mitochondrial homeostasis and preventing heart failure (HF). This study aimed to uncover the cardioprotective mechanisms of GYPs related to mitochondrial regulation.

Methods

The bioactive components in GYPs and the potential targets in treating HF were obtained and screened using the network pharmacology approach, followed by drug-disease target prediction and enrichment analyses. The pharmacological effects of GYPs in cardioprotection, mitochondrial function, mitochondrial quality control, and underlying mechanisms were further investigated in Doxorubicin (Dox)-stimulated H9c2 cardiomyocytes.

Results

A total of 88 bioactive compounds of GYPs and their respective 71 drug-disease targets were identified. The hub targets covered MAPK, EGFR, PI3KCA, and Mcl-1. Enrichment analysis revealed that the pathways primarily contained PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and FoxO signalings, as well as calcium regulation, protein phosphorylation, apoptosis, and mitophagy process. In Dox-stimulated H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes, pretreatment with GYPs increased cell viability, enhanced cellular ATP content, restored basal oxygen consumption rate (OCR), and improved mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Furthermore, GYPs improved PINK1/parkin-mediated mitophagy without influencing mitochondrial fission/fusion proteins and the autophagic LC3 levels. Mechanistically, the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, GSK-3β, and the protein level of Mcl-1 was upregulated by GYP treatment.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that GYPs exert cardioprotective effects by rescuing the defective mitophagy, and PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β/Mcl-1 signaling is potentially involved in this process.

Network Pharmacology Analysis, Molecular Docking Integrated Experimental Verification Reveal the Mechanism of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in the Treatment of Type II Diabetes by Regulating the IRS1/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GP), a plant with homology of medicine and food, as a traditional Chinese medicine, possesses promising biological activities in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the material basis and the mechanism of action of GP in the treatment of T2DM have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to clarify the active components, potential targets and signaling pathways of GP in treating T2DM. The chemical ingredients of GP were collected by combining UPLC-HRMS analysis and literature research. Network pharmacology revealed that GP had 32 components and 326 potential targets in treating T2DM. The results showed that GP affected T2DM by mediating the insulin resistance signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and FoxO1 signaling pathway, which had a close relationship with T2DM. Molecular docking results showed that STAT3, PIK3CA, AKT1, EGFR, VEGFA and INSR had high affinity with the active compounds of GP. In vitro, GP extracts obviously increased the glucose uptake and glucose consumption in IR-HepG2 cells. GP extracts increased the levels of PI3K, p-AKT, p-GSK3β and p-FoxO1 and decreased the expression of p-IRS1, p-GS, PEPCK and G6Pase, which indicated that GP could promote glycogen synthesis and inhibit gluconeogenesis by regulating the IRS1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The results demonstrated that GP could improve insulin resistance by promoting glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis and inhibiting gluconeogenesis through regulating the IRS1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which might be a potential alternative therapy for T2DM.