Phytochemical and Functional Insights into <i>Cyperus rotundus</i> Stilbenoids: LC-MS, Antioxidant, Antiglycation, and in Silico Assessment for Aldose Reductase Inhibition Activity

Objective The polyol (sorbitol) pathway plays a central role in diabetic complications by promoting oxidative stress and the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Cyperus rotundus , a medicinal plant containing bioactive stilbenoids, has shown potential in metabolic health management. This study aimed to characterize the stilbenoid profile of Cyperus rotundus rhizome extract (CRRE) using LC-MS and evaluate the antioxidant, antiglycation, and aldose reductase inhibitory activity of identified compounds along with their ADME properties. Method CRRE was prepared using selective solvent partitioning and analyzed by LC-MS fingerprinting. Total phenolic content and Antioxidant activity were assessed using Folin Ciocalteu and β-carotene linoleic acid assay, respectively. Anti-glycation potential was evaluated in a Glucose-BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) system. Molecular docking simulations were performed between identified key stilbenoids and the Human Aldose reductase enzyme (PDB ID: 1IEI), and their ADME was determined using SWISSADME. Results LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of piceatannol, resveratrol, scirpusin A, scirpusin B, and cyperusphenols A–D. CRRE showed high total phenolics (26.4 mg GAE/g), strong antioxidant inhibition (69.6%), and significant antiglycation activity (81.5%). Docking studies showed strong ARI binding for scirpusin B (−9.9 kcal/mol), scirpusin A (−8.8 kcal/mol), and piceatannol (−8.6 kcal/mol), comparable to epalrestat. Conclusion This study demonstrates that CRRE, rich in polyphenolic stilbenoids, exhibits promising antioxidant, antiglycation, and aldose reductase inhibitory activity, with favorable ADME profiles. Furthermore, CRRE, with its strong antiglycation and antioxidant properties, along with favorable pharmacokinetics, underscores its potential role in mitigating oxidative stress and diabetes-related complications.