Phytochemical profile and antigenotoxic potential of Bergenia crassifolia (L.) Fritsch methanolic extracts

Abstract

Bergenia crassifolia (L.) Fritsch (Saxifragaceae) is in use for over a century as a medicinal plant in the treatment of various ailments, such as gastritis, enterocolitis, cold, fever, headache, and diarrhea. The root, rhizome, and dried leaves of B. crassifolia are most frequently used for medicinal purposes as they showed significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, with adaptogenic effects as well [1, 2]. B. crassifolia has some characteristic constituents: bergenin, arbutin, and various tannins [1, 3]. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the chemical composition of methanolic extracts of B. crassifolia flowers (BCF), leaves (BCL), and roots (BCR) and to show their antigenotoxic effect towards free radical-induced DNA disruption in vitro. The extracts were obtained using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). Their composition was analyzed using LC-HRMS analysis. Bergenin and arbutin were detected in all three extracts. Other phenolic compounds, such as quinic acid, ellagic acid, quercitrin, and (epi)catechin gallate were also detected in all Bergenia extracts. Besides, there were tentatively annotated some compounds from classes like mono- and sesquiterpene glycosides, phenolamides, and glycolipids that have never been detected in Bergenia species before. B. crassifolia extracts, particularly BCF and BCL, efficiently protected DNA against oxidative damage caused by hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals in all applied concentrations (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL). The obtained data showed significant antioxidant and genoprotective potential of B. crassifolia that will be studied in detail, as well as the presence of some new compounds that have never been reported in Bergenia species so far.