Phytochemical Profiling and Multi-Target Pharmacological Evaluation of Symphyotrichum squamatum Unveils Its Potential as a Source of Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Journal Article

2026

Published in: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2026.1734…

This study aimed to thoroughly profile the phytochemicals and pharmacological properties of the aerial parts of 658857 to assess its potential as a valuable source of natural therapeutic agents. The research focused on isolating and identifying bioactive compounds and evaluating their antioxidant, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Chromatographic purification of the petroleum ether and ethyl acetate fractions led to the isolation of four compounds: 3β-Friedelinol, Spinasterol, Dioctyl phthalate, and Kaempferol-3,7-diglucopyranoside. Additionally, the LC/MS profile of the hydro-alcoholic extract identified 35 metabolites, indicating a diverse chemical profile rich in fatty acids, phenolic propanoids, and terpenoids. Quantitative assays confirmed the extract's abundance in phenolics (65.9 ± 3.6 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (25.8 ± 1.1 mg QE/g extract), correlating with notable in vitro antioxidant activity, as shown by low SC₅₀ values of 77.00 µg/mL (DPPH) and 66.00 µg/mL (ABTS). The extract exhibited weak cytotoxicity against Hep-G2 and Panc-1 cell lines. Notably, both the extract and the isolated Kaempferol-3,7-diglucopyranoside demonstrated potent, dose-dependent inhibition of key carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, indicating antidiabetic activity. The flavonoid glycoside was particularly effective against α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 24.29 µg/mL). The extract also showed promising anti-inflammatory activity via COX-1 inhibition (IC₅₀ = 137.51 µg/mL). To explain these bioactivities, molecular docking studies were performed, revealing that essential compounds, namely Kaempferol-3,7-diglucopyranoside and dicaffeoylquinic acids, form stable, high-affinity interactions with the reactive locations of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and COX enzymes. These findings collectively support S. squamatum as a promising candidate for further development in the management of diabetes and inflammation.

 

• Publication Work Type: Associate Professor
• Publisher Name: Frontiers
• Magazine \ Newspaper: Frontiers in Chemistry