Effect of Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC. aerial parts on some non-communicable diseases: in vitro study and HPLC-QTOF/MS-MS analysis

Abstract

Carissa species are evergreen plants that have long been employed in treating different diseases by traditional healers in many cultures. Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC. known as Natal plum is characterized by bright red, edible, plum-shaped fruit that tastes like cranberries. The pharmacological studies on Carissa species validated its use in indigenous medicine systems. The evidence-based modulatory potential of C. macrocarpa aerial parts (leaves and stems) on non-communicable diseases and hepato-protective activity is herein evaluated via testing its in vitro activity against key enzymes for metabolic disorders and support it with phytochemical study to identify the key metabolites responsible for the claimed activities. Potent antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) and anti-inflammatory (iNOS, COX-1 and COX-2) potentials were observed along with significant inhibitory potential against α-amylase and α-glucosidase anti-diabetic enzymes. In addition, the hepato-protective activity (Annexin V apoptosis detection and evaluation of telomerase reverse transcriptase TERT) beside its beneficial effect on the neuropharmacological parameters (acetylcholinesterase and β-amyloid) were also proved. The HPLC-QTOF/MS-MS analysis allowed the identification of 10 fatty acids, 6 phenolics, 6 flavonoids, 4 triterpenoid saponins, and 3 miscellaneous metabolites. These findings support the notion that C. macrocarpa is a medicinal plant with multifactorial therapeutic potentials against some non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, this study supports the claim of traditional healers that Carissa species are promising hepato-protective and anti-diabetic medicines.