Arisarum Vulgare: Bridging Tradition and Science Through Phytochemical Characterization and Exploring Therapeutic Potential via in Vitro, in Vivo, and in Silico Biological Activities

Abstract

Arisarum vulgare O. Targ. Tozz. (Araceae), locally known as "Elbgouga," holds significant traditional importance in Algeria for the treatment of various human ailments, including pain, infections, inflammation, digestive disorders, cancer, skin problems, eczema, wounds, and burns. The aim of this study was to explore for the first time the phytochemical profile, antioxidant, antibacterial, and inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes, DNA protection, and capacity to promote wound healing. Preliminary phytochemical experiments were conducted to evaluate the major classes of bioactive compounds, in addition to the total phenol and flavonoid amounts in AVEE. An LC-MS/MS analysis was conducted to clarify the phytochemical composition of this particular botanical species. The antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH<middle dot> and ABTS(<middle dot>+) radical scavenging tests. The agar diffusion approach was used to ascertain the antibacterial efficacy against four bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium). Cholinesterase inhibition was evaluated using a colorimetric method that relies on Ellman's reaction. The protective effects of AVEE on pBR322 plasmid DNA damaged by H2O2 and UV treatment were assessed by their DNA-breaking forms. The in vivo acute dermal toxicity and wound healing potential of the AVEE ointment (1-5% AVEO) were also investigated, and histological analyses were carried out on biological samples. Five protein targets were the subject of an in silico molecular docking investigation (TNF alpha, TGFBR1, IL-1 ss, GSK-3 ss, and NOS) and ADMET studies of the main components of the extracts were performed. The screening of phytochemicals revealed a significant concentration of phenolic compounds (176.00 +/- 1.08 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of dry extract), mainly flavonoids (81.21 +/- 1.24 mg of quercetin equivalents/g of dry extract). Three major compounds were identified by LC-MS/MS analysis, belonging mainly to the class of flavonoids, with rutin as the most abundant compound (11.85 mg/g extract), followed by hesperidin (4.125 mg/g extract). A conspicuous presence of isoquercitrin (1.327 mg/g extract) was also found. Small amounts of flavonoids and phenolic acids were also detected (catechin, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, salicylic acid, kaempferol, and luteolin). DPPH assay showed higher antioxidant capacity compared to the ABTS<middle dot>+ assay (142.60 +/- 5.52 mu g/mL and 236.10 +/- 0.22 mu g/mL, respectively). AVEE was effective against all selected bacterial strains; however, the highest zone of inhibition (36.00 +/- 0.1 mm) was noted against E. faecium. The extract of the plant significantly inhibited both AChE and BChE (89.98 +/- 18.76 mu g/mL inhibitory activity against AChE and 98.28 +/- 44.68 mu g/mL inhibitory activity against BChE, respectively). The ethanolic extract of A. vulgare and quercetin exhibited more significant DNA protection action in form I, with percentages of 90.41 and 94.23%, respectively, compared to form II, where the percentages were 27.91 and 51.92%, respectively. The AVEO formulation may be safely administered by topical application. A statistically significant wound contraction was discovered in the group treated with 5% AVEO compared to the groups that were not treated or treated with petroleum jelly. Furthermore, there was no notable disparity detected between the group treated with 5% AVEO and the group treated with the reference drug. The 5% AVEO-treated group showed, after the research was complete, the most significant percentage of wound contraction (96.90 +/- 0.42%). Moreover, the topical application of the formulation improved histological parameters. In silico study showed that rutin, hesperidin, and isoquercitrin had a high affinity to the five main targets that might contribute to the wound healing potential of A. vulgare ethanolic extract. The impressive biological capabilities of A. vulgare indicate that the plant has the ability to be a valuable source of bioactive chemicals with various medical applications.