RP-HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS Qualitative Profiling, Antioxidant, Anti-Enzymatic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Non-Cytotoxic Properties of Ephedra alata Monjauzeana

Abstract

An investigation was conducted to study the beneficial effects of Ephedra alata monjauzeana crude extract (EamCE). The chemical profile was determined using RP-HPLC–ESI-QTOF-MS analysis, revealing the presence of twenty-one flavonoids and phenolic acids. A series of antioxidant assays was carried out using ten different methods. The EamCE has demonstrated a significant antioxidant potential, with interesting IC50 values not exceeding 40 µg/mL in almost activities. Likewise, a significant inhibition of key enzymes, involved in some health issues, such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, hyperpigmentation, dermatological disorders, gastric/urinary bacterial infections, and obesity, was observed for the first time. The IC50 values ranged from 22.46 to 54.93. The anti-inflammatory and non-cytotoxic activities were assessed by heat-induced hemolysis and cell culture methods, respectively; the EamCE has shown a prominent effect in both tests, notably for the anti-inflammatory effect that was superior to the reference compound “diclofenac” (IC50: 71.03 ± 1.38 > 70.23 ± 0.99 (µg/mL)). According to these results, this plant could be used in a large spectrum as a food supplement, as a natural remedy for various physiological disorders and pathologies; and it might serve as a preventive and health care agent.

RETRACTED: Ephedra alata subsp. alenda (Ephedraceae) leaf extracts: phytochemical screening, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and anti-toxic activities on diabetic-induced liver-kidney-testes toxicities and inhibition of α-amylase and lipase enzymes

“…Ephedra alata was an important source of various bio-actives drugs such glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. Previous studies reported have reported that this plant exert identical biological activities as antibacterial, liver function protection, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and prevention and amelioration of cancer [ [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] , [25] ]. A number of natural products possess the ability to prevent obesity by digestive enzymes as lipase and α-amylase [ 6 , [26] , [27] , [28] ].…”

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, LC–MS/MS Analysis, Anticholinesterase, and Antioxidant Activities of Valuable Natural Metabolites from Astragalus armatus Willd.: In Silico Molecular Docking and In Vitro Enzymatic Studies

“…The depletion of the acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmitter by cholinesterase is linked to Alzheimer’s etiology [ 7 ]. Currently, the most successful therapeutic strategy is the application of ChE inhibitors [ 8 ], particularly natural anticholinesterases and antioxidants. As most of these medicines have numerous adverse effects, it is desirable to use and manage them effectively.…”

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Potential, and LC–ESI–MS Profiling of Ephedra alata and Ephedra altissima Seeds Naturally Growing in Tunisia

“…Similarly, another study carried out by Soumaya et al [ 5 ] confirmed the presence of gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, and quercetin in the E. alata aerial part extract depending on the extraction solvent polarities. Additionally, Khattabi et al [ 10 ] characterized 21 compounds in the aerial parts of E. alata including caffeic acid, gallic acid, quercetin-O-rhamnoside, hyperoside, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, and epicatechin based on RP-HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS qualitative profiling. While the LC-DAD-ESI-MSn analysis proved that isoflavones and flavonol derivatives were the major compounds [ 48 ].…”