Evaluation of the bioactive constituents, antioxidant potential, and enzyme inhibitory activities of Salvia longipedicellata

In this study, the phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, enzyme inhibitory effects, and molecular docking properties of the methanol extract obtained from the aerial parts of Salvia longipedicellata were investigated. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were determined as 57.06 mg GAE/g and 23.50 mg RE/g extract, respectively. HPLC–DAD analysis revealed that (-)-epicatechin, hesperetin, trans-caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid were the major phytochemical constituents. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating assays. It also showed inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase enzymes. Molecular docking studies suggested that epicatechin and hesperetin possessed strong binding affinities towards the selected target enzymes. The findings indicate that S. longipedicellata is a promising natural source of bioactive compounds with potential antioxidants, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-hyperpigmentation properties.