Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Anti‐Alzheimer, And α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Effect Of Algerian Peganum harmala Seeds Extract

Abstract Peganum harmala seeds crude hydro‐methanolic extract and their fractions (obtained with ethyl acetate and butan‐1‐ol) were analyzed and compared for their chemical profiles of alkaloids and polyphenols content. Moreover, their antioxidant, α‐glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities were evaluated. The butan‐1‐ol fraction revealed the highest total phenolic content and exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. From the inhibitory enzyme evaluations, it should be highlighted the butan‐1‐ol fraction inhibitory potential of ɑ‐glucosidase (the IC 50 =141.18±4 μg/mL), which was better than the acarbose inhibitory effect (IC 50 =203.41±1.07 μg/mL). The extracts’ chemical profile analysis revealed several compounds, in which quercetin dimethyl ether, harmine and harmaline emerged as the major compounds. The different solvents used impacted Peganum harmala seed contents and biological responses. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between bioactive compounds and biological activities. Thus, Peganum harmala seeds could be a promising natural source of bioactive compounds at the crossroads of many human diseases, and its cultivation may be encouraged.