Pleiotropic Potential of Evernia prunastri Extracts and Their Main Compounds Evernic Acid and Atranorin: In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Abstract

Evernia prunastri is a lichen widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. Its biological properties still need to be discovered. Therefore, our paper focuses on studies of E. prunastri extracts, including its main metabolites evernic acid (EA) or atranorin (ATR). Phytochemical profiles using chromatographic analysis were confirmed. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using in vitro chemical tests and in vitro enzymatic cells-free tests, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and catalase (CAT). The anti-inflammatory potential using cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and hyaluronidase were determined. The neuroprotective potential using acetylcholinesterase, (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase (Tyr) was estimated. The hypoglycemic activity was also confirmed (α-glucosidase). Principal component analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the biological activity of extracts. The inhibitory effect of EA and ATR on COX-2 AChE, BChE, Tyr, and α-glucosidase was evaluated using molecular docking techniques and confirmed for EA and ATR (besides α-glucosidase). The penetration of EA and ATR from extracts through the blood–brain barrier was confirmed using the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay blood–brain barrier test. In conclusion, depending on chemical surroundings and the concentration, the E. prunastri extracts, EA or ATR, showed attractive pleiotropic properties, which should be further investigated.

Prebiotic Systems Containing Anthocyanin-Rich Pomegranate Flower Extracts with Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Effects

“…The most recent literature affirms the legitimacy of integrating theoretical techniques with in vitro methods. The results of research conducted by Studzińska et al [ 75 , 80 ] confirmed that the theoretical models aimed at determining the activity of caperatic acid and atranorin in relation to AChE and BChE (cholinesterase enzymes) were consistent with the in vitro results. Promyos et al [ 4 ] indicate that molecular docking allows to correlate the differences in the structure of anthocyanins with their glucosidase-inhibiting effect.…”

“…Molecular docking is a valuable technique used to confirm interactions between enzymes. The latest literature reports show that molecular docking is crucial for discovering new compounds for medical use, predicting interactions between ligands and targets, and comprehending the relationships between structure and activity [ 74 , 75 ]. In silico study of anthocyanidins and anthocyanins, activity has been of interest in various biomedical applications [ 4 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 ].…”

Elderberry Leaves with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties as a Valuable Plant Material for Wound Healing

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Enhanced Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Properties of Pterostilbene (Resveratrol Derivative) in Amorphous Solid Dispersions

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