Chemical compounds, antioxidant activity, and in vitro and in silico litholytic effects of Zizyphus lotus extracts

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and to determine the chemical compounds of organic extracts of fruits and leaves ofZizyphus lotus.The litholytic effect was determined on the basis of thein vitroeffect of the aqueous extracts on the formation of crystals of stones. Finally, chemical compounds were investigated to identify their target using anin silicoapproach.MethodsThe antioxidant activity was determined with the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical trapping method. An aliquot of 2 mL of urine and 100 μL of an infusion of fruit and leaf aqueous extract ofZ. lotusat different concentrations were used. The induction of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals was done by the addition of oxalic acid at 0.1 mol/L. The effect of aqueous extracts was compared with two inhibitors (citrate and magnesium) used as references.In silicomodelization was carried out using SwissTargetPrediction.ResultsThe antioxidant activity test showed that the methanol extract was active with an IC50of 5 mg/mL. The aqueous extracts of fruits and leaves inhibit the formation of crystals of CaOx. Then, the composition of the methanol extracts of the leaves and fruits in high-performance liquid chromatography showed majority compounds such as quercetin-3-galactoside and hyperin.In silicoassays showed that the identified molecules exert their effect by targeting enzymes responsible for calcium regulation, urate regulation, and maintenance of acid-base balance, and that had anti-inflammatory properties.ConclusionsThe present study showed thatZ. lotusmay be considered as a functional or nutraceutical food. However, further studies should be carried out in order to extract and purify these compounds to test their effect on urinary lithiasis.