Comprehensive Analysis of the Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties and Phenolic Compounds of Phlomis armeniaca: Potential Applicant in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

This study investigates the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of Phlomis armeniaca, a perennial plant native to the eastern and southeastern regions of Türkiye. Ethanol extracts of the plant were analyzed using various bioanalytical methods, including Fe³⁺-Fe²⁺ reducing power, CUPRAC, DPPH, and ABTS radical scavenging activities, as well as total phenolic and flavonoid content assessments. The results showed that Phlomis armeniaca is rich in phenolic (38.75±0.59 µg GAE/mg extract) and flavonoid compounds (39.34±4.08 µg QE/mg extract). The plant demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on AChE (IC50: 45.00±0.48 mg/mL) and BChE (IC50: 84.51±0.84 mg/mL) enzymes, indicating its potential use in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The study also highlighted Phlomis armeniaca's high chlorogenic acid, salicylic acid, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and quinic acid contents, supporting its antioxidant capacity. These findings suggest that Phlomis armeniaca could be a valuable natural resource for developing therapeutic agents to manage oxidative stress and related conditions, warranting further pharmacological exploration.