LC–MS-based metabolomic characterization and POM pharmacophore analysis of the bioactive methanolic extract of Ephedra alata

Abstract

Ephedra alata is a medicinal plant known for its rich composition of bioactive compounds and therapeutic properties. This study explores its phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and potential anticancer effects. LC-MS analysis identified a variety of flavonoids and glycosylated derivatives, with quercetin 3-D-galactoside (28.49%) and 3,3’,4,4’,5,7-pentahydroxy-6-methoxyflavanonol-3-O-glucoside-5-O-glucuronic acid (10.74%) as the most abundant compounds. These flavonoids are recognized for their strong antioxidant and anticancer properties. The extract exhibited significant metal chelation activity, assessed using an EDTA-based calibration curve, indicating its potential to combat oxidative stress. Additionally, the ORAC assay confirmed a high free radical-scavenging ability, primarily linked to the presence of flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol.To evaluate its anticancer potential, the methanolic extract was tested on liver cancer cell lines (Huh-7 and HepG2) using a WST-1 assay. The results showed a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability, with HepG2 cells displaying greater sensitivity than Huh-7 cells. Cytotoxicity extract’s IC₅₀ values exceeded 100 µg/mL, indicating weak, cytotoxicity, the findings suggest that its bioactive compounds may play a role in inducing apoptosis and regulating oxidative stress in cancer cells. These results highlight Ephedra alata as a promising natural source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential, supporting further studies to explore its therapeutic applications.