In vitro examination of antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase effects of Athamanta sicula L. aqueous and methanolic extracts

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathological process of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There is a growing interest in natural anti-oxidants and cholinesterase inhibitors from medicinal plants that may aid in the prevention against oxidative injury and in the treatment of AD. Athamanta sicula L. is an important medicinal plant. The aim of current study was to investigate the total phenolic content, antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase properties of aqueous (AqE) and methanolic extracts (MethE) from Athamanta sicula L. (A. sicula L.). The phenanthroline, ABTS free radical scavenging, β-carotene bleaching methods were utilized to assess the antioxidant capacity. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory methods were used to determine the anti-cholinesterase effect. These extracts were rich in phenolic contents. It was capable of scavenging free radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and reducing agents. A. sicula L. had a remarkable cholinesterase inhibitory effect. These results support that A. sicula L. could be a new source of anti-oxidant and anti-cholinesterase natural drugs. Further studies on the isolation and characterization of active principles of anti-oxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities are needed.