Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory, Antidiabetic, and Hemolytic Effects of Essential Oil of Eryngium triquetrum and its Falcarinol-Rich Fraction in Comparison with Reference Compounds

Background: Eryngium triquetrum, a plant of the Apiaceae family, is traditionally used for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, its biological activities, including its anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and hemolytic properties, remain poorly explored. Falcarinol, a major bioactive compound in this plant, is gaining increasing interest for its therapeutic potential. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of the essential oil extracted from the aerial parts of Eryngium triquetrum and evaluate its anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and hemolytic properties, along with those of its falcarinol-rich fraction (FRF). Additionally, the synergistic effects of these compounds in combination with reference drugs were also examined. Methods: GC/MS analysis was carried out for chemical characterization. The anti-inflammatory activity of essential oil extracted from Eryngium triquetrum was assessed using the albumin denaturation inhibition assay, and its antidiabetic activity was evaluated through α-amylase inhibition, while hemolytic activity was tested on human erythrocytes. Additionally, the synergistic effects of the essential oil and its falcarinol-rich fraction were examined in combination with diclofenac (antiinflammatory) and acarbose (α-amylase inhibitor). Results: GC/MS analysis identified falcarinol as the major compound in both essential oils (28.9%) and FRF (89.3%). FRF exhibited stronger anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 48.1 μg/mL) than the essential oil, with a notable improvement when combined with diclofenac (IC50 = 17.1 μg/mL). Similarly, FRF showed greater antidiabetic activity (IC50 = 23.37 μg/mL) than the essential oil, and its combination with acarbose further enhanced its effects (IC50 = 16.7 μg/mL). Both essential oil and FRF displayed minimal hemolytic activity, causing negligible red blood cell damage at lower concentrations. Conclusion: E. triquetrum represents a promising source of bioactive compounds for alternative therapeutic approaches to inflammation and type 2 diabetes. However, further clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.