Phytochemical composition analysis, antioxidant, antimitotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of leaf and stem extracts of Pistacia lentiscus L

Abstract

This study explored the phytochemical composition, antioxidant properties, anti-germinative effects, and anti-inflammatory actions of methanolic leaf extracts (MLE) and methanolic stem extracts (MSE) derived from Pistacia lentiscus L. species native to the eastern region of Morocco. Using Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC),16 and 17 components were discovered inMLE and MSE, respectively, with Epigallocatechin being the most prevalent in both extracts. Polyphenols and flavonoids were found to be more abundant in MLE. Furthermore, DPPH assays revealed that it had a higher free radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 37.5 mg/L) compared to ascorbic acid while ferric-reducing power tests showed that MSE had a greater potency (IC50 = 86.14 mg/L) than MLE. Both MLE and MSE inhibited sorghum seed germination in a dose-dependent manner, with MSE being slightly more effective. Mitotic index determination revealed that both extracts had concentration-dependent antimitotic effects, with MSE showing similarity to colchicine, indicating its potential as an antimitotic agent. In vitro, anti-inflammatory assays showed that it had similar properties to indomethacin in protein denaturation and membrane stabilization, while MLE displayed distinct characteristics. Furthermore, in a carrageenan-induced rat model, both extracts demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential, with MSE showing a trend of slightly better efficacy. These results highlight the importance of further investigation into MSE’s potential as an anti-inflammatory and antimitotic agent.

Keywords

• Medicinal plant
• bioactive compounds
• natural product
• pharmacological effect