In-vitro Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic and Hemolytic Activities of Daucus crinitus Desf. Essential Oil and Its Phenylpropanoid- Enriched Fraction

Introduction:: Daucus crinitus essential oil (EO) is traditionally used for its medicinal properties, yet its biological potential remains poorly explored. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of D. crinitus EO and its phenylpropanoid-enriched fraction (Fr4) and to evaluate their in-vitro anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and hemolytic activities, including their interactions with standard drugs. Methods:: The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and fractionated on silica gel. Chemical constituents were identified by GC-MS. Biological activities were assessed using the BSA denaturation, α-amylase inhibition, and erythrocyte hemolysis assays. Combination studies were performed with diclofenac and acarbose as reference drugs. Results:: GC-MS analysis revealed 38 compounds, mainly phenylpropanoid esters such as isochavicol isobutyrate and isochavicol 2-methylbutyrate, which were highly concentrated in Fr4. Both EO and Fr4 showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects (IC50 = 0.60 mg/mL and 0.95 mg/mL, respectively), with a statistically significant difference between the two samples (p < 0.05). Fr4 exhibited strong α-amylase inhibition (IC50 = 34.09 μg/mL), comparable to acarbose (IC50 = 37.34 μg/mL; p > 0.05), indicating no significant difference between the two inhibitors. The EO/diclofenac mixture displayed a mild synergistic effect (p < 0.05), while the Fr4/acarbose combination showed a marked potentiation (p < 0.01) compared to the individual treatments. Both samples exhibited low hemolytic activity (< 5%), with no significant difference between EO and Fr4 (p > 0.05), confirming acceptable in-vitro biocompatibility. Discussion:: The enriched fraction showed enhanced activity, likely due to its phenylpropanoid content. These results support the therapeutic potential of D. crinitus. However, only in vitro assays were conducted, and the mechanisms of action remain unknown. Conclusion:: D. crinitus EO and its phenylpropanoid-enriched fraction exhibit promising in-vitro anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potential with minimal cytotoxicity, supporting their interest as natural candidates for therapeutic development.