Abstract
Mangrove forests exemplify a multifaceted ecosystem since they do not only play a crucial ecological role but also possess medicinal properties. Methanolic, ethyl acetate and aqueous leaf and bark extracts were prepared using homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE), infusion and maceration (with and without stirring). The different extracts were screened for phytochemical profiling and antioxidant capacities in terms of radical scavenging (DPPH, ABTS), reducing potential (CUPRAC, FRAP), total antioxidant capacity and chelating power. Additionally, R. racemosa was evaluated for its anti-diabetic (α-amylase, α-glucosidase), anti-tyrosinase and anti-cholinesterase (AChE, BChE) activities. Additionally, antimycotic and antibacterial effects were investigated against Eescherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viride, Penicillium funiculosum, Penicillium ochrochloron and Penicillium verrucosum. Finally, based on phytochemical fingerprint, in silico studies, including bioinformatics, network pharmacology and docking approaches were conducted to predict the putative targets, namely tyrosinase, lanosterol-14-α-demethylase and E. coli DNA gyrase, underlying the observed bio-pharmacological and microbiological effects. The methanolic leave and bark extracts (prepared by both HAE and maceration) abounded with phenolics, flavonoids, phenolic acids and flavonols. Results displayed that both methanolic leaf and bark extracts (prepared by HAE) exhibited the highest radical scavenging, reducing potential and total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, our findings showed that the highest enzymatic inhibitory activity recorded was with the tyrosinase enzyme. In this context, bioinformatics analysis predicted putative interactions between tyrosinase and multiple secondary metabolites including apigenin, luteolin, vitexin, isovitexin, procyanidin B, quercetin and methoxy-trihydroxyflavone. The same compounds were also docked against lanosterol-14α-demethylase and E. Coli DNA gyrase, yielding affinities in the submicromolar–micromolar range that further support the observed anti-microbial effects exerted by the extracts. In conclusion, extracts of R. racemosa may be considered as novel sources of phytoanti-oxidants and enzyme inhibitors that can be exploited as future first-line pharmacophores.
Highlights
Mangrove forests are the most productive and richest ecosystems on the planet
Phenolic compounds are crucial for the physiology of both plants and human beings since they provide a protective role in the human body by acting as anti-oxidants against oxidative stress [17]
homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE) is the most recommended one since it consumes a low amount of solvent and time and is environment friendly [21]
Summary
Mangrove forests are the most productive and richest ecosystems on the planet They provide valuable ecological benefits to the coastal lines of tropical and sub-tropical countries by acting as a protective barrier against waves, purify the nearby marine environment and provide habitats for countless reptiles, birds and fish [1]. The intuitive nature of humans believed that the different parts of mangroves can cure a variety of diseases, namely rheumatism, diabetes, snake bites, asthma, skin diseases, throat pains, diarrhea, fever, intestinal worms, among others [2,3]. Most of these traditional beliefs have not been verified yet, which subsequently triggers a dire need for a thorough investigation. As supported by one of our recent comprehensive review on mangroves, it is mentioned that a total of 84 mangrove species are recorded to-date, only 27 of them have been validated for their pharmaceutical effects [4]
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