Phytochemical profile and <i>in vitro</i> bioactivities of ethanolic extract from <i>Fructus Ligustri Lucidi</i>

This study aims to characterize compounds in Fructus Ligustri Lucidi ethanolic extract (FLLEEs) and evaluate their in vitro biological activities. A total of 71 compounds were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, primarily phenols, triterpenes, and iridoids. Among these, 53 were phenolics, including iridoids, flavonoids, flavonols, flavanols, phenolic acids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and coumarins. Notably, 51 compounds were first reported in FLLEEs. The antioxidant capacity of FLLEEs was assessed using seven complementary assays, including DPPH, ABTS, and so on. FLLEEs showed strong activity, with EC50 of 42.04 ± 1.41 μg/mL (DPPH) and 11.06 ± 0.29 μg/mL (ABTS). Furthermore, FLLEEs demonstrated notable multi-enzyme inhibitory effects. Especially, the α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 2.08 ± 0.14 mg/mL) surpassed that of acarbose (IC50 = 2.76 ± 0.11 mg/mL), indicating potential for blood glucose management. This study provides a scientific basis for developing natural antioxidants and blood-glucose management functional products.