LC-MS/MS simultaneous determination of 37 bioactive compounds in Bunium crassifolium Batt. and its biological activities

Abstract

Bunium crassifolium Batt. is an extremely rare species growing in Algeria. Its leaf or aerial part is used for flavoring and garnishing food. The aim of the current study was to determine 37 bioactive phytochemicals and biological evaluation of the methanol and methanol:water (70:30) extracts of B. crassifolium for the first time. A total of 10 phenolic acids and 8 flavonoids have been identified in the extracts of the aerial parts by LC-MS/MS. Chlorogenic, gallic and ferulic acids were the most abundant phenolic acids detected, while rhoifolin, quercitrin and rutin were the most abundant flavonoids. In addition, 3 non-phenolic organic acids (fumaric acids, quinic and malic) were detected and among them quinic and malic acids were the most abundant. Antioxidant activity was evaluted by six methods and the extracts showed significant activity. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined and methanol:water (70:30) extract showed higher values which entails its greater antioxidant capacity. In addition, anticholinesterase (AChE and BChE) activity was evaluated for both extracts using Ellman method. Methanol extract showed a better anti-acetylcholinesterase activity than methanol:water (70:30) one. While, both extracts showed a weak anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity. Furthermore, the anti-tyrosinase activity was tested and the methanol:water (70:30) extract was promising and more potent. In conclusion, B. crassifolium could be used in food industries and pharmaceutical as a potential functional food ingredient.