Phenolic Profile and Multitarget Bioactivities of Cerinthe major L. Extracts

Objective This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile, mineral composition, and biological activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts prepared from the aerial and underground parts of Cerinthe major L. Methods Phytochemicals and mineral elements were analyzed using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and ICP-OES, respectively. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH ● , ABTS ●+ , β-carotene–linoleic acid, and reducing power assays, while anti-cholinesterase, anti-urease, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, cytotoxicity, and in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) were also assessed. Results The aqueous extract showed the strongest butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (IC 50 = 58.80 ± 1.43 µg/mL), whereas the ethanolic extract exhibited higher acetylcholinesterase inhibition (IC 50 = 665.87 ± 13.01 µg/mL). Antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 was weak, requiring relatively high extract concentrations to inhibit growth. In the yeast cytotoxicity assay, neither extract showed detectable toxic effects on Saccharomyces cerevisiae within the tested concentration range, suggesting favorable biocompatibility in this model. ICP-OES analysis revealed that Cerinthe major extracts are rich in macro- and microelements, with several essential elements present at levels close to FAO dietary recommendations, highlighting their nutritional relevance. Cerinthe major provided moderate UV protection, with SPF values ranging from 32.82 ± 0.17 to 35.78 ± 0.12, and displayed strong antioxidant potential in all assays. Conclusion The ethanolic extract of Cerinthe major , characterized by a richer LC-MS/MS phytochemical profile than the aqueous extract, together with the high levels of macro- and microelements revealed by ICP-OES, suggests that this species is a promising source of minerals and bioactive compounds with potential nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.