This research investigated the antidiabetic effects of Withania coagulans and Trigonella foenum-graecum using both in vitro and in silico methods, with a focus on their ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Both methanol and aqueous extracts of the plants were assessed for their enzyme inhibition capabilities, revealing that aqueous extracts were more effective than methanol extracts.

Molecular docking was performed on 13 compounds from Withania coagulans and 10 from Trigonella foenum-graecum. The docking analysis demonstrated that these compounds had lower binding energies compared to metformin, a standard antidiabetic drug. Additionally, ADMET analysis identified four non-toxic compounds from Trigonella foenum-graecum—Malic enzyme, Glucokinase activator (GKA) 1, (Z)-Rhaponticin, and Isovitexin—as potential candidates for further development as antidiabetic agents.

In contrast, while Withania coagulans compounds exhibited notable binding activities, they did not pass toxicity tests, suggesting a need for more extensive safety evaluations. These results highlight the significant antidiabetic potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum and point to safety concerns with Withania coagulans, emphasizing the importance of thorough toxicity testing before its use in diabetes treatment.

Overall, the study demonstrates that aqueous extracts of both plants show considerable antidiabetic potential, with specific compounds offering promising leads for future research and therapeutic applications.