Exploring the potential of Cytisus purgans as a source of bioactive molecules: In vitro pharmacological evaluation

Abstract

Introduction

Cytisus purgans is an uncommon species found in Algeria (Aures, Mahdids and Lella Khadidja). In the current study, we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first detailed chemical profile of its extracts and collect various pieces of evidence that underscore their therapeutic potential.

Methods

The ethyl acetate extract (EAE) of C. purgans was purified using different chromatographic methods. The bioactive compounds obtained were analysed by NMR and mass spectroscopy to identify their structures. The therapeutic potential of the extracts was investigated using several in vitro assays.

Results and discussion

The developed spectral analysis techniques enabled the structural elucidation of seven compounds. The analysis identified four isoflavones, including daidzein, genistein, isoprunetin and biochanin A. Additionally, one flavone, chrysin and one flavonol, quercetin, were positively identified. Notably, the phytosterol daucosterol was also isolated and characterised. The studied extracts were found to be rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. The EAE had the highest polyphenolic (163.85 ± 3.82 mg GAE/g dry extract) and flavonoid content (180.84 ± 3.68 mg QE/g dry extract). The extracts showed potent anti-oxidant activity, as demonstrated by DPPH 50 % inhibitory concentration (EAE: IC₅₀ = 26.66 µg/mL, BuE: IC₅₀ = 30.91 µg/mL), ferric reducing anti-oxidant power IC₅₀ (EAE: IC₅₀ = 6.37 ± 0.27 µg/mL, BuE: IC₅₀ = 13.02 ± 0.1 µg/mL) and total anti-oxidant capacity values (EAE 106.57 ± 5.81 AAE/g dry extract, BuE 105.46 ± 8.64 AAE/g dry extract). This anti-oxidant activity contributed significantly to effective sun protection (EAE sun protection factor (SPF) = 87.84, BuE SPF = 31.67). Additionally, the extracts inhibited acetylcholinesterase (EAE IC₅₀ = 24.40 ± 2.84 µg/mL, BuE IC₅₀ = 68.07 ± 02.26 µg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes (EAE IC₅₀ = 36.39 ± 0.75 µg/mL, BuE IC₅₀ = 66.19 ± 01.25 µg/mL) the most and significantly inhibited urease (EAE IC₅₀ = 77.82 ± 4.59 µg/mL, BuE IC₅₀ = 127.05 ± 2.87 µg/mL).

Conclusion

Considering the findings, C. purgans emerges as a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds that have the potential to contribute to the development of treatments for specific diseases. The identification of these compounds and their therapeutic potential provides valuable insights into their potential use in drug development.