Evaluation of the medicinal potential of a traditionally important plant from Turkey: Cerinthe minor L.

Background and Aims: Cerinthe minor L. has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes in Turkey. Since the plant has remained uninvestigated pharmacognostically, this study aims to provide data on the phytochemical profile and in vitro biological activities of the ethanol extract prepared from the aerial and root parts of Cerinthe minor L. Methods: The phytochemical profile of the extract was determined by LC-MS/MS. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of Cerinthe minor ethanol extract were determined as pyrocatechol, and quercetin equivalents, respectively. Antioxidant activity of the extract was investigated by DPPH, and ABTS cation radical scavenging activity, and CUPRAC activity assays. Enzyme inhibitory activity assays were used to investigate anticholinesterase, antityrosinase, and antiurease activities. Cytotoxic potential of the plant was clarified by using the XTT method, and antimicrobial activity of the extract was established by the microbroth dilution technique. Results: According to the LC-MS/MS results, 11 different constituents were present in the extract, and the major com-pounds were, malic acid (5392.18 +/- 60.93 mu g/g extract), fumaric acid (4730.99 +/- 58.66 mu g/g extract), and rosmarinic acid (2470.07 +/- 176.12 mu g/g extract). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found as 10.39 +/- 0.73 mu g PEs/mg extract, and 0.75 +/- 0.07 mu g QEs/mg extract, respectively. The extract demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity, whereas no enzyme inhibitory activity was exerted against the tested enzymes. No cytotoxic activity was observed on human renal (A498, UO-31) or human colon (COLO205, KM12) cancer cell lines. The extract was shown to possess low-moderate antimicrobial activity against C. tropicalis with a MIC value of 78.12 mu g/mL. Conclusion: Having several pharmacologically valuable compounds, and not causing any toxicity on studied cell lines, Cerin-the minor is a plant that requires attention with its medicinal potential.