LC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS-Based Chemical Profiling and Bioactivity Evaluation of Prangos trifida Dry Methanol Extracts

The chemical composition and bioactivities of dry methanol extracts from roots, leaves and fruits of Prangos trifida (Apiaceae), collected in Serbia, were investigated. LC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS analysis revealed 30 compounds, primarily polyphenols and coumarins. The root and leaf extracts were rich in chlorogenic and/or 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (18.20–26.14 mg/g extract), and the fruit extract in oxypeucedanin hydrate and prantschimgin (46.50 and 71.64 mg/g). The leaf extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (62.86 mg quercetin equivalents/g), total antioxidant activity (FRAP = 0.71 mmol Fe2+/g) and DPPH radical scavenging ability (44.08 mg quercetin equivalents/g). Antimicrobial activity testing (11 bacteria and three yeasts, microdilution method) showed that the most active were the root and leaf extracts against Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and Candida albicans (MIC = 0.625–5 mg/mL). The fruit extract showed the strongest cytotoxicity against tested stomach, colon and hypopharynx cancer cell lines (MTT test), with the highest selectivity toward hypopharynx cancer FaDu cells (selectivity index 4.71; determined in relation to non-cancerous VERO cells). No antiviral activity against herpesvirus type 1 was found. The results indicate that P. trifida represents a promising source of polyphenols and coumarins, notably expanding current knowledge on its chemical composition and supporting its potential relevance for pharmaceutical and food industry applications.