HPLC-DAD profiling, antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antidiabetic activities of four Algerian edible plant extracts: An in vitro and in silico study

Algerian flora has been a rich source of medicinal and nutritional benefits for centuries. This study investigates the methanolic extracts of four Algerian edible plants (Ficus carica L., Olea europaea L., Pistacia atlantica Desf., and Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.)) for their bioactive potential. HPLC-DAD analysis identified a diverse range of phenolic compounds. Mainly, oleuropein (335.5 mg/g extract) was the main compound in O. europaea, while epicatechin (981.2 mg/g), catechin (498.4 mg/g), and pyrocatechol (363.0 mg/g) were identified in P. atlantica. Additionally, rutin (37.97 mg/g) and epicatechin (34.35 mg/g) were major compounds in Z. lotus, and chlorogenic acid (10.18 mg/g) was detected alongside rutin (4.88 mg/g) in F. carica. Antioxidant activity was assessed using ABTS, DPPH, and CUPRAC assays, revealing P. atlantica as the most potent extract (IC₅₀: 2.65, 3.49, and 6.94 µg/mL, respectively). Z. lotus exhibited the strongest in vitro anticholinesterase activity (IC₅₀: 29.16 µg/mL against BChE), while O. europaea demonstrated significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀: 44.78 µg/mL), suggesting potential applications in neuroprotection and diabetes management. Molecular docking analysis further supported these findings, highlighting key interactions between bioactive compounds and enzyme binding sites. These results underline the therapeutic relevance of Algerian plants as natural sources of antioxidants, anticholinesterases, and antidiabetic agents. Future studies will validate their clinical efficacy and pharmaceutical potential through isolation and in vivo experiments.