Pharmacological insights into Laurus nobilis: HPLC profiling and evaluation of its anti-Toxoplasma, antioxidant, and anti-hemolytic properties

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) poses significant risks, especially to those with weakened immune systems, highlighting the need for new, less toxic treatments. Laurus nobilis L. (L. nobilis), known for its beneficial properties including antiparasitic and antioxidant effects, offers potential for innovative therapies. This study assessed the anti-Toxoplasma, cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-hemolytic effects of L. nobilis's aqueous and ethanolic extracts both in vitro and in silico, including a phytochemical analysis. HPLC analysis identified a range of phenolic compounds, notably syringic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, caffeine, and quercetin. Both extracts exhibited an inhibitory effect on the growth of T. gondii tachyzoites in vitro and caused less cytotoxicity to host cells. In silico studies revealed that rutin and quercetin were the most potent compounds, with binding affinity scores for the DHFR enzyme of −10.6 and −9.3 kcal/mol, respectively. Antioxidant studies demonstrated that both extracts displayed antioxidant effects in the DPPH^•, ABTS^•+, NO^•, β-carotene-linoleic acid system, FRP, and TAC assays. Additionally, they provided significant protection to erythrocytes against H₂O₂-induced hemolysis. These findings, suggests that L. nobilis exhibits significant potential as a source of therapeutic agents for combating T. gondii infection and managing its associated adverse effects.