RP-HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS Qualitative Profiling, Antioxidant, Anti-Enzymatic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Non-Cytotoxic Properties of <i>Ephedra alata</i> Monjauzeana
Latifa Khattabi,
Tarek Boudiar,
Mustapha Mounir Bouhenna,
Aziez Chettoum,
Farid Chebrouk,
Henni Chader,
Jesús Lozano-Sánchez,
Antonio Segura-Carretero,
Gema Nieto,
Salah Akkal
Affiliations
Latifa Khattabi
Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Brothers Mentouri, Constantine 1, BP, 325 Route de Ain El Bey, Constantine 25017, Algeria
Tarek Boudiar
National Center of Biotechnology Research Constantine (CRBt), Ali Mendjli Nouvelle Ville UV 03 BP E73, Constantine 25016, Algeria
Mustapha Mounir Bouhenna
Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), BP384, Bou-Ismail, Tipaza 42004, Algeria
Aziez Chettoum
Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Brothers Mentouri, Constantine 1, BP, 325 Route de Ain El Bey, Constantine 25017, Algeria
Farid Chebrouk
Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), BP384, Bou-Ismail, Tipaza 42004, Algeria
Henni Chader
Departement of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Algiers 1, Algiers 16001, Algeria
Jesús Lozano-Sánchez
Research and Development of Functional Food Center (CIDAF), Bioregion Building, PTS Granada, Avda. De l Conocimiento s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain
Antonio Segura-Carretero
Research and Development of Functional Food Center (CIDAF), Bioregion Building, PTS Granada, Avda. De l Conocimiento s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain
Gema Nieto
Department of Food Technology, Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Espinardo, 30071 Murcia, Spain
Salah Akkal
Valorization of Natural Resources, Bioactive Molecules and Biological Analysis Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Mentouri Constantine 1, Constantine 25000, Algeria
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.
