Evaluation of polyphenolic profile, antioxidant, anti-cholinesterase, and anti-alpha-amylase activities of Pistacia lentiscus L. leaves.

Abstract

The phytochemical profile of the hydro-methanolic extract from Pistacia lentiscus L. leaves (MEPLL) was analysed using the LC-ESI-MS/MS method, which identified 17 compounds. The major compounds identified were quinic acid (234.25 mg/g extract), tannic acid (45.92 mg/g extract), quercitrin (2.99 mg/g extract), protocatechuic acid (1.96 mg/g extract), and gallic acid (1.34 mg/g extract). MEPLL exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 4.79 ± 0.31 µg/mL for DPPH, 2.80 ± 0.02 µg/mL for ABTS, and an A_0.5 value of 3.80 ± 0.64 µg/mL for the phenanthroline assay. Additionally, MEPLL exhibited significant inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (IC₅₀ = 5.76 ± 0.97 µg/mL), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (IC₅₀ = 28.94 ± 1.48 µg/mL), and α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 8.9 ± 0.14 µg/mL), outperforming the positive controls. Molecular docking studies further supported these in vitro results.