Antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibitory effects of extracts from Mandragora autumnalis and its fatty acid composition

The present research was performed to evaluate antioxidant activities and enzyme inhibitory potentials of two extracts (acetone and methanol) from two parts (flowers and leaves) of Mandragora autumnalis. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by using different methods. Enzyme inhibitory potentials were tested against cholinesterase (AChE and BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Fatty acids, total phenolics and flavonoid content were investigated for phytochemical composition. Generally, the methanolic extract of flowers (F-Met) exhibited the strongest antioxidant effect with the highest level of phenolics. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined as 26.10-46.92 mgGAE/g extract and 3.60-26.11 mgRE/g extract, respectively. α-linolenic acid was found to be major fatty acids in the studied oils (33.81% for flowers and 39.15% for leaves). The study suggested that M. autumnalis could be valuable as a source of natural agents in food and pharmaceutical applications.