Evaluating Phytochemical Profiles, Cytotoxicity, Antiviral Activity, Antioxidant Potential, and Enzyme Inhibition of Vepris boiviniana Extracts

Abstract

In the present study, we performed comprehensive LC-MS chemical profiling and biological tests of Vepris boiviniana leaves and stem bark extracts of different polarities. In total, 60 bioactive compounds were tentatively identified in all extracts. The 80% ethanolic stem bark extract exhibited the highest activity in the ABTS assay, equal to 551.82 mg TE/g. The infusion extract of stem bark consistently demonstrated elevated antioxidant activity in all assays, with values ranging from 137.39 mg TE/g to 218.46 mg TE/g. Regarding the enzyme inhibitory assay, aqueous extracts from both bark and leaves exhibited substantial inhibition of AChE, with EC50 values of 2.41 mg GALAE/g and 2.25 mg GALAE/g, respectively. The 80% ethanolic leaf extract exhibited the lowest cytotoxicity in VERO cells (CC50: 613.27 µg/mL) and demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells, particularly against H1HeLa cells, indicating potential therapeutic specificity. The 80% ethanolic bark extract exhibited elevated toxicity in VERO cells but had reduced anticancer selectivity. The n-hexane extracts, notably the leaves’ n-hexane extract, displayed the highest toxicity towards non-cancerous cells with selectivity towards H1HeLa and RKO cells. In viral load assessment, all extracts reduced HHV-1 load by 0.14–0.54 log and HRV-14 viral load by 0.13–0.72 log, indicating limited antiviral activity. In conclusion, our research underscores the diverse bioactive properties of Vepris boiviniana extracts, exhibiting potent antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and cytotoxicity potential against cancer cells.

Exploring Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory and Cytotoxic Properties of Glaucium acutidentatum Hausskn. & Bornm. from Turkey Flora: A Novel Source of Bioactive Agents to Design Functional Applications

“…Spectroscopic (λmax = 220, 280, 305 nm) and spectrometric data (LC-MS/MS data) acquired in this study were in accordance with data published by Sun et al [49] and Bournine et al [44] for glaucine, therefore, the compound was unambiguously identified as glaucine, while compound 33 as its structural isomer, for example, takatonin (Pub-Chem). Seven compounds (16,22,23,26,27,31,32) detected in all samples, shared similar behavior to glaucine fragmentation and formed characteristics for aporphinoids, product ions with m/z greater than 200 Da [50]. The precursor ion [M+H] + of compound 23 at m/z 342.1715 was in accordance with the empirical molecular formula of C20H23NO4.…”

“…Positive and negative ions generated in ESI ion source (nebulizer pressure: 35 psig, drying gas temp: 275 °C, drying gas flow: 10 L/min) were fragmented at the collision energies of 10 and 30 eV and detected in a range of 50–1700 m / z . Other working parameters were as follows: sheath gas temp: 325 °C, sheath gas flow: 12 L/min; skimmer 65 V, capillary V (+): 4000 V, and fragmentor 140 V. The identification was based on accurate masses and fragmentation patterns, also supported by available literature sources [ 22 ].…”

Metabolic profiling and enzyme inhibitory activity of the essential oil of citrus aurantium fruit peel

“…Oxidative stress refers to the disparity between the defensive capabilities of the antioxidant system and the generation of reactive oxygen species. Plant antioxidants are commonly acknowledged as nutraceuticals, serving to eliminate free radicals and functioning as antioxidants [ 34 , 35 ]. Compounds with reductive properties have traditionally been employed in the food industry to protect products from oxidation [ 36 ].…”