RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the total saponins of Panax japonicus (TSPJ) on Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). RESULTS: The intervention of TSPJ was found to have the ability to reverse physiological indicators associated with T2DM, while also enhancing the expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism and intestinal homeostasis. Additionally, alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota were observed. Based on the findings of experimental results and network pharmacology analysis, it is evident that vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) serves as a prominent shared target between TSPJ and diabetes. The outcomes observed in T2DM mice overexpressing VEGFA align with those observed in T2DM mice treated with TSPJ. CONCLUSIONS: TSPJ administration and VEGFA overexpression yield similar effects on T2DM in mice. Thus, in terms of mechanism, by upregulating the expression of VEGFA, TSPJ may ameliorate metabolic imbalance, preserve intestinal homeostasis, and lessen the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. The findings demonstrated the viability of using VEGFA as a type 2 diabetes therapy option and offered important insights into the therapeutic mechanisms by TSPJ in the management of T2DM. To determine the exact mechanisms behind the effects of TSPJ and VEGFA and to assess their potential therapeutic uses, more research efforts are necessary.