Exploring the phenolic profile, antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-hemolytic potential of Prunus avium vegetal parts

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the phenolic profile of leaves, stems and flowers of P. avium and their biological potential. For this purpose, two extracts of each matrix (hydroethanolic and infusion) were prepared. A total of twenty-six phenolics were identified by LC-DAD, including 1 hydroxybenzoic acid, 9 hydroxycinnamic acids, 7 flavonols, 3 isoflavones, 3 flavanones and 3 flavan-3-ols, being the hydroethanolic leaves extract the richest one. 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, hydroxycinnamic derivative 1 and sakuranetin derivative were the major compounds found in leaves, flowers and stems, respectively. The hydroethanolic extracts of stems and leaves proved to be the most active against DPPH• and O2•- (IC50 = 22.37 ± 0.29 μg/mL and IC50 = 9.11 ± 0.16 μg/mL, respectively). On the other hand, the infusion extract of stems showed the highest antioxidant activity against •NO (IC50 = 99.99 ± 1.89 μg/mL). The antidiabetic potential was tested using the α-glucosidase enzyme, being the infusion extract of stems the most active, with an IC50 = 3.18 ± 0.23 μg/mL. Finally, the protective effect of the extracts towards human erythrocytes against oxidative damage was also evaluated. The hydroethanolic extract of stems was the most active against lipid peroxidation and hemolysis with an IC50 = 26.20 ± 0.38 μg/mL and IC50 = 1.58 ± 0.18 μg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, the hydroethanolic extract of flowers showed the greater protective effect against hemoglobin oxidation (IC50 = 12.85 ± 0.61 μg/mL). Considering the results obtained in this work, we can consider that leaves, stems and flowers of P. avium are a promising source of bioactive compounds and present health-promoting properties.