Bioactive potential and RP-HPLC detection of phenolics and alkaloids (lycorine and galanthamine) from ultrasonic-assisted extracts of Crinum roots

Abstract

In this study, ultrasonic-assisted root extracts (methanolic and aqueous) of 16 Crinum genotypes were investigated for their antioxidants, phytochemicals and alkaloids (lycorine and galanthamine). The maximum TPC was recorded in methanolic extract of CAF1 (10.871 ± 0.2 mg TAE/g DW) and the least in CA (5.291 ± 0.1 mg TAE/g DW). TFC ranged from 0.446 ± 0.03 (CA) to 1.051 ± 0.07 mg CE/g DW (CMOR) for methanolic extracts whereas for aqueous extracts the range was 0.258 ± 0.01 (CAF2) to 1.312 ± 0.05 mg CE/g DW (COME). TTC values were recorded higher from aqueous extracts whereas TAC was on the higher side in methanolic extracts. TTC was the highest in COME (6.960 ± 0.16 mg CE/g DW) and TAC in CMOR (2.510 ± 0.21 mg BE/g DW). The highest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging were noted in CMOR (1.886 ± 0.07 mg AAE/g DW) and CP (18.251 ± 1.32 mg TE/g DW), respectively. Similarly, the highest FRAP and PMA activities were found from methanolic extracts of CAF1 (6.751 ± 0.06 mg Fe(II)E/g DW) and CAF2 (6.093 ± 0.16 mg AAE/g DW). Water extract of CM (4.788 ± 0.03 mg EDTA/g DW) had the highest metal chelation potential. Maximum inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was noticed in the methanolic extracts of CV (43.51%) and CM (85.58%), respectively. Similarly, the maximum inhibition (95.99%) of acetylcholinesterase activity was noted in the methanolic extract of CA. RP-HPLC revealed that GA and COA were the most common phenolics in the roots. The alkaloid, lycorine was detected in all the genotypes and galanthamine in only 14 genotypes. The highest lycorine content was detected in CW (6.28 ± 0.54 mg/g DW) and the lowest in CXA (0.45 ± 0.01 mg/g DW). Galanthamine content ranged from 0.10 ± 0.00 μg/g DW (CP) to 348.98 ± 0.01 μg/g DW (CXA). Ultrasonic-assisted extraction can be one of the sustainable approaches for the enhanced recovery of phytochemicals from Crinum species. Present study inferred that Crinum is a magnificent source of antioxidants, natural inhibitors of α-glucosidase as well as anti-Alzheimer and anticancer drugs.