Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, and Antihyperglycemic Activities of <i>Crataegus monogyna</i> Jacq Aqueous Extract

Abstract

Objective This study aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and antihyperglycemic (in vivo, in vitro, and in silico) activities and acute toxicity of Crataegus monogyna Jacq ( C monogyna) aqueous extracts. Methods The study analyzed the aqueous extract of C monogyna through various methods such as phytochemical screening, and the high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV)-visible analysis. The extract was also tested for antioxidant potential, acute toxicity, antihyperglycemic effect, and inhibitory effect on the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme. Additionally, the study used the molecular docking approach to identify the most potent ligands in the extract. Results The phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of C monogyna showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, sterol, and triterpene. The extract was rich in total polyphenols (1.65 ± 0.04 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract [GAE/g] DM), total flavonoids (0.33 ± 0.03 EQ/g DM), and condensed tannins (0.28 ± 0.01 EC/mg DM). HPLC-UV-visible analysis identified 9 phenolic compounds, with high levels of gallic acid and caffeic acid. The C monogyna extract has a high antioxidant activity with an IC 50 of 9.23 ± 0.01 mg/mL by DPPH and 8.32 ± 0.02 mg/mL by FRAP. The aqueous extract of C monogyna was not toxic to albino mice. The glucose tolerance test showed a significant antihyperglycemic effect, with an IC 50 of 0.070 ± 0.008 mg/mL for the inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase activity by the aqueous extract of C monogyna. The in vivo inhibitory effect of the extract on the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme was confirmed. Two flavonoids, catechin, and rutin, were identified as potent inhibitors of the activity of α-amylase in the in silico part of the study, compared to the native ligand, Acarbose. Conclusion The study found that C monogyna has significant antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties. The presence of catechin and rutin may contribute to these effects. The results suggest that C monogyna could be used as a dietary supplement to prevent and treat diabetes.