Phytochemical Analysis, In Vitro Biological Activities, and In Silico Prediction of Hydromethanolic Root Extract of Brassica rapa L. From Setif.

Abstract

Brassica rapa L. is a nutrient-rich plant that plays an integral role in the traditional Algerian diet. This study aimed to evaluate the proximate composition of its powdered roots and to characterize the phytochemical profile of the root extract (BME) using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed through DPPH^•, ABTS•⁺, FRAP, and O-phenanthroline assays. The extract exhibited moderate antioxidant activity compared to the employed standards. Quantitative analysis revealed high concentrations of total phenolics (272.43 ± 2.00 µg GAE/mg extract) and flavonoids (32.68 ± 0.1 µg QE/mg extract). The BME also demonstrated significant inhibition of α-amylase (IC₅₀ > 400 µg/mL), and strong urease inhibition (IC₅₀ = 6.68 ± 1.65 µg/mL). In addition, in silico analysis predicted the drug-likeness of taxifolin, a flavonoid identified in the studied extract. This research represents the first comprehensive study on the B. rapa L. extract, integrating both an in silico approach and an in vitro urease inhibition assay, thereby underscoring its potential as a valuable nutritional plant.