Pistacia lentiscus L. Fatty Oil and its Unsaponifiable Matter: Antidiabetic and Neuroprotective Activities
Kaouthar Hamdi *
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Constantine III University, Algeria.
Nadia Boughandjioua Amoura
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Annaba University, Algeria.
Amira Noui
Biotechnology Research Center, Constantine, Algeria.
Farid Dalia
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Constantine III University, Algeria.
Meryem Siline
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Constantine III University, Algeria.
Abdelmalik Belkhiri
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Constantine III University, Algeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The inhibition of key enzymes involved in type II diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease is an effective therapeutic approach for managing these health disorders. This study aimed to assess the antidiabetic and neuroprotective effects of Pistacia lentiscus L.
Methods: The potential of Pistacia lentiscus L. fatty oil (PLFO) was investigated against the activities of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase. Additionally, the unsaponifiable matter (USM) of this oil was isolated and screened for the same activities. Furthermore, the antioxidant power of both extracts was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays.
Results: The results revealed that PLFO exhibited a low antioxidant effect primarily due to its USM. The potent antidiabetic effect of PLFO was also attributed to its USM, while the whole oil was responsible for the neuroprotective effect.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that PLFO and its USM could serve as natural sources of compounds for managing type II diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
Keywords: Pistacia lentiscus L. fatty oil, unsaponifiable matter, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase