Phytochemical analysis and biological evaluation of the aerial parts from Symphytum anatolicum Boiss. and Cynoglottis barrelieri (All.) Vural & Kit Tan (Boraginaceae)

The present study is focused on the phytochemical analysis of the aerial parts of Symphytum anatolicum and Cynoglottis barrelieri (Boraginaceae). Their methanol extracts were subjected to qualitative LC-MS analysis, sixteen secondary metabolites have been identified from S. anatolicum and eighteen from C. barrelieri, respectively. Sixteen among all are phenolic derivatives (phenolic acids and flavonoids) and six belong to pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in the form of bases and/or N-oxides (PANOs). The observed chemical profiles are discussed chemotaxonomically as both species share the same tribe Boragineae. Caffeic acid and its derivatives together with quercetin- and kaempferol-glucosides were among the common metabolites, as they were identified in both studied plant species. Furthermore, their total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by different chemical assays, together with their in vitro enzyme inhibitory properties towards cholinesterases (AChE and BChE), α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The results showed that C. barrelieri exhibited strong antioxidant activity, while S. anatolicum displayed good enzyme inhibitory effects contributing to a very interesting profile for further applications.