In Vitro Enzyme Inhibitory and Antioxidant Properties, Cytotoxicity, and LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS Profile of Extracts from the Halophyte Lotus creticus L.

Background: The halophyte Lotus creticus L. (creta trefoil, Fabaceae) belongs to a family and genus containing several medicinal species, is considered promising crop for saline Mediterranean areas. However, the best of our knowledge, information regarding biological properties this species that could increase its biotechnological value particularly scarce. Objectives: We aimed evaluate potential use creta trefoil collected in Southern Portugal (Algarve) as source bioactive products. Methods: Food-grade extracts (water, acetone, ethanol) were obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction from aerial parts (stems leaves) fruits (pods), evaluated acute toxicity on mammalian cells. In vitro enzymatic inhibition was appraised enzymes related neurodegeneration (acetyl- butyryl-cholinesterase: AChE BuChE), type-2 diabetes (T2DM, α-glucosidase, α-amylase), hyperpigmentation/food browning (tyrosinase). vitro, antioxidant activity included radical scavenging towards 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), ferric-reducing power (FRAP), metal chelating iron copper. Chemical composition established liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS). Results: Samples not toxic active (especially acetone extracts) BuChE (particularly ethanol fruits’ extracts). Acetone water fruit extract organs displayed significant but low capacity amylase. All exhibited high inhibit tyrosinase, except organs. Fruit had, general, highest capacity, especially ethanol. Fruits diversity polyphenols, flavonols, catechins, quercetin, myricetin, derivatives. Conclusions: Overall, results suggested should be further explored natural products management T2DM, hyperpigmentation disorders, or food additive prevent oxidation browning.