Phenolic Compounds Analysis and In Vitro Biological Activities of Aqueous Extract From Leaves of <i>Paronychia Arabica</i> Collected in South Algeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this investigation was to assess the biological properties of the leaf's aqueous extract of Paronychia Arabica (PaAE), which is used in conventional medicine for therapeutic purposes of gastric ulcers and abdominal diseases. The content of phenolic and flavonoidic compounds was quantitatively estimated using colorimetric methods. The phenolic component profile was also evaluated using LC–MS/MS. The biological activities were then carried out, namely the antioxidant activity (DPPH test, β‐carotene bleaching and FRAP assays), the anti‐inflammatory impact, and the inhibitory effect of the α‐amylase enzyme was also examined. Lastly, antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Bacillus subtilis , Staphylococcus aureus , Listeria monocytogenes , and Micrococcus luteus ; and one yeast: Candida albicans . The aqueous extract obtained by use of the decoction of leaves of P. arabica contains high levels of phenolics and flavonoids. Additionally, LC–MS–MS assessment of the phenolic profile revealed the existence of 16 chemical compounds and the major compounds are 35.9% cis‐p‐coumaric acid, 14.8% syringic acid, 9.61% sinapic acid, and 9.6% 8‐Hydroxyquinolin. The findings revealed that P. arabica extract has elevated antioxidant capacity in all tested samples; it also demonstrated a higher anti‐inflammatory activity. Antihyperglycemic activity is marked by a significant inhibitory effect on α‐amylase in vitro with an IC 50 equal to 78.82 ± 3.4 μg/mL. Moreover, the Staphylococcus aureus strain had the highest sensitivity to P. arabica extract's antibacterial properties, whilst Micrococcus luteus and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains showed moderate sensitivity, and Escherichia coli displayed the greatest resistance.