Phytochemical composition, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects of Stahlianthus thorelii Gagnep. rhizomes

Abstract

Stahlianthus thorelii Gagnep. is used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. In this study, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of S. thorelii rhizomes was analyzed for its phychemicals, antioxidant activity and inhibition against enzymes (acetylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase). The EtOAc extract showed the presence of ferulic acid, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, and kaempferol, with average levels ranging from 169.29 to 2449.60 μg/g. Analysis of the volatile components of the extract revealed that β-patchoulene (23.1%), (E)-nerolidyl isobutyrate (11.9%), and aristolene (10.8%) were the major compounds. The antioxidant potential of the extract measured by DPPH (IC₅₀ = 86.94 ± 2.87 μg/mL) and ABTS (IC₅₀ = 743.60 ± 56.52 μg/mL) assays showed promising results. The inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase and α-amylase demonstrated potential with IC₅₀ values of 246.43 ± 11.39 and 789.84 ± 8.27 µg/mL, respectively. The findings above suggest that the EtOAc extract of S. thorelii could contribute to supporting the treatment of certain diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's.