Phytochemical Profiling and Anti-Skin Pathogen Activity of Ranunculus asiaticus Extracts Enhanced Efficacy in Dark-Pigmented Floral Morphotypes | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Chemistry | ||
| Volume 69, Issue 2, February 2026, Pages 301-316 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejchem.2025.396356.11936 | ||
| Author | ||
| Faraj Ahmad Abuilaiwi* | ||
| Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Hafr Al Batin, | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This study investigates the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of dark-pigmented versus light-pigmented Ranunculus asiaticus flowers, testing the hypothesis that floral pigmentation intensity predicts bioactive metabolite richness. Dark flowers exhibited significantly elevated levels of flavonoids (e.g., Burgundy: 33.1 mg/g DW), tannins, saponins, and steroids—absent in light morphotypes—validating the co-pigmentation defense hypothesis. Quantitative analyses revealed intra-varietal heterogeneity among dark phenotypes, with Burgundy flowers showing the highest polyphenol content (52.5 mg/g DW). GC-MS identified key bioactives (e.g., β-caryophyllene: 12.1%, palmitic acid: 18.2%, β-sitosterol: 11.6%), while HPLC quantified dominant flavonoid glycosides (quercetin-3-O-glucoside: 12.8 mg/g). The extract demonstrated potent concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activity (92.7% membrane stabilization at 800 μg/mL; IC₅₀: 135.2 μg/mL), strong antioxidant capacity (DPPH: 92.5% scavenging at 400 μg/mL), and broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects (against S. aureus: MIC = 0.52 mg/mL). These findings highlight dark-pigmented R. asiaticus as an underexplored reservoir of therapeutic compounds, with potential applications in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and dermatological formulations aimed at combating oxidative stress and inflammatory skin conditions. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Phytochemicals; Antioxidant; Antimicrobial; Anti-inflammatory; Bioactivity; HPLC-DAD; GC-MS | ||
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