Identification of phenolic components via LC–MS analysis andbiological activities of two Centaurea species: C. drabifolia subsp.drabifolia and C. lycopifolia

Abstract

The Centaurea genus has great potential in traditional systems and has attracted much interest in thedesign of novel drug formulations. The present study was focused on the chemical fingerprints andbiological properties of Centaurea drabifolia subsp. drabifolia and Centaurea lycopifolia extracts. Spec-trophotometric and LC–MS techniques were used to establish the chemical profiles of the studied extracts.Enzyme inhibitory potential was assessed against key enzymes linked to global health problems, namelyneurodegenerative diseases (acetylcholinesterase), pigmentation (tyrosinase), and diabetes ( -amylaseand -glucosidase). The antimicrobial propensities of the extract were evaluated against 16 bacterialand fungal strains using the microdilution method. The antioxidant abilities were assessed using DPPHand ABTS radical scavenging, ferric, and cupric reducing powers, phosphomolybdenum, and ferrous metalchelation. The total phenolic compounds varied from 18.33 to 32.84 mgGAE/g extract. Total flavonoid con-tent of the extracts were in the range of 2.88–22.39 mgRE/g extract. Methanol and water extracts showedstronger antioxidant abilities compared to the ethyl acetate extracts. However, the latter extracts weremost efficient towards the target enzymes (except for tyrosinase). The water extracts also exerted con-siderable antimicrobial effects. Findings from the present work tend to support the idea that C. drabifoliasubsp. drabifolia and C. lycopifolia may be utilized as effective bio-resources for designing novel health-promoting products or ingredients. It is anticipated that results amassed from this still will open newavenues for research and contribute towards establishing primary data on these species for designingnovel phytopharmaceuticals.