Examination of the Inhibition Effect of Extracts of Berberis crataegina Fruit on Elastase, Xanthine Oxidase, Tyrosinase, and Calcium Oxalate Crystal

Research is being conducted on the effect of various plants and plant parts on enzymes and kidney stones. Calcium oxalate crystal is the main component of kidney stones that damage the urinary system and can result in both surgical operations and financial strain. Furthermore, certain enzymes that function excessively might lead to many health issues. Many illnesses, including hyperuricemia caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals, for example, can be due to excessive activity of the xanthine oxidase enzyme. Furthermore, one field of research that protects against skin aging is the reduction of elastase activity. Studies are also being carried out in the fields of food and cosmetics to prevent pigmentation by suppressing the tyrosinase enzyme. Therefore, herbal medicines that can be used as inhibitors of these enzymes, whose excessive activity causes various disorders, attract attention. In this study, the inhibition effect of two different fruit extracts of Berberis crataegina (methanol and ethanol) on calcium oxalate crystals and xanthine oxidase, elastase, and tyrosinase enzymes in vitro was investigated. Additionally, the amount of monomeric anthocyanins and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated. It was observed that both extracts of B. crataegina fruit inhibited the formation of calcium oxalate crystals. However, ethanol extract was found to outperform methanol extract in inhibiting the enzymes xanthine oxidase, elastase, and tyrosinase. Due to all these features, B. crataegina fruit is one of the natural resources that can be used effectively in food, cosmetics, and health applications.