Chemical Profiling and Multi‐Target Bioactivities of <i>Erodium guttatum</i> From Northeastern Algeria: LC–MS/MS and Molecular Docking Insights

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition and evaluate the biological activities of the hydroethanolic extract of Erodium guttatum (HEE) from Algeria. Liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (LC–ESI‐MS/MS) analysis identified 16 phenolic compounds, with shikimic acid, gallic acid, luteolin, and isoquercitrin as the main components. The extract showed high levels of total phenolics (208.09 ± 0.25 µg GAE/mg), flavonoids (97.07 ± 1.4 µg QE/mg), and flavonols (78.27 ± 0.05 µg QE/mg). Antioxidant assays revealed strong activity with IC 50 values of 3.88 ± 0.03 µg/mL (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl [DPPH]), 6.33 ± 0.13 µg/mL (2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic) acid [ABTS]), and A 0.5 = 10.11 ± 0.53 µg/mL (ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]). The HEE extract exhibited inhibitory activity against butyrylcholinesterase (IC 50 = 21.42 ± 0.41 µg/mL) and high photoprotective potential, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 43.23 ± 0.05. Antimicrobial tests revealed broad‐spectrum activity, particularly against Listeria monocytogenes (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 0.35 mg/mL). In vivo experiments showed a significant analgesic effect after 1 h (200 mg/kg) and anti‐inflammatory efficacy in the formalin‐induced paw edema model ( p &lt; 0.001). Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities between major compounds and key targets, including phospholipase, listeriolysin O, internalin, sortase B, collagenase‐1, TNF‐α, and cyclooxygenase‐2. Overall, E. guttatum emerges as a promising natural source of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications.