Elemental analysis and bioactivities of Echinops echinatus Roxb. (globe thistle) via spectroscopic techniques

摘要

Echinops echinatus Roxb. , belonging to family Asteraceae is traditionally used as appetizer, carminative, liver tonic, to treat jaundice, diabetes, and heart diseases. It has been reported to be a rich source of flavonoids with significant pharmacological activities. This study aimed to quantify 28 mineral elements, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant, and anti-cholinesterase activities in its leaves, stem, flowers and achene extracts. In elemental analysis, the concentrations of Ca (9199.3 to 63975.6 μg/g) and K (7866.1 to 42700.6 μg/g) were comparatively high. Among micro elements, Sr and Zn were high in the analyzed samples. The concentrations of toxic elements were within the safe ranges established by WHO. Furthermore, ethyl acetate extract was the most enriched extract with phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as the most potent free radical scavenger (DPPH IC 50 9.54 μg/mL, ABTS IC 50 5.88 μg/mL). In anti-diabetic activity, leaves and stem methanol extract was the strong inhibitor of α-glucosidase enzyme with IC 50 values of 371.4 and 368.6 μg/mL, respectively. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts also showed dual cholinesterase enzymes inhibition. Thus, E. echinatus could act as a potential source of natural antioxidant and does not pose any threats on consumption.