Chemical, biological, morphological, and anatomical exploration of <i>Tripleurospermum monticolum</i> Born. (Asteraceae): A promising medicinal plant

Diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease are interconnected, with type 2 diabetes raising dementia risk. Decoctions and infusions of Tripleurospermum monticolum (Asteraceae) are traditionally used to treat cough, stomachaches, and fever, while its flowers are commonly brewed into tea to alleviate stomach discomfort. The study examined the inhibitory effects of methanol and aqueous extracts from T. monticolum (capitulum, root, and aerial parts) on key enzymes (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, alpha-amylase, and alpha-glucosidase) and assessed antioxidant activity, as well as the total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins. Essential oils were analyzed via GC-MS/MS, and morphological, anatomical, and metabolite tests were also performed. In the essential oil of the capitulum, (2Z,8Z)-matricaria ester (64.1%) is the dominant compound, while the aerial part is rich in pentacosane (22.2%) and caryophyllene oxide (13.5%). The root, on the other hand, contains high levels of geranyl isovalerate (30.7%). The aerial part methanol extract showed the highest phenolic (74.686 mu g GAE/mg), flavonoid (259.083 mu g RE/mg), and tannin (83.000 mu g TAE/mg) contents. Root methanol extract had the strongest 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH center dot) activity (20.855%), while capitulum methanol extract was most effective in 2,2 '-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS center dot(+)) scavenging (9.362%). T. monticolum extracts exhibited antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging from 1250 to 2500 mu g/mL, and notable anticandidal effects (MIC = 625-2500 mu g/mL), particularly against Candida tropicalis. Additionally, the essential oils from the root and flower demonstrated antifungal efficacy, with MIC values of 625 mu g/mL and 1250-2500 mu g/mL, respectively. The qualitative analysis revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins in all samples, while lipids were selectively detected in CM, APM, and RM, showing metabolic variability. T. monticolum exhibited promising antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, antimicrobial, and phytochemical properties, highlighting its potential as a multifunctional medicinal plant, particularly in the context of diabetes and neurodegenerative disease management.

Journal

PROTOPLASMA

Year

2026

Volume

263

Issue

2

Pages

601-624

ISSN

0033-183X

eISSN

1615-6102

DOI

10.1007/s00709-025-02127-0

WoS UID

WOS:001607966300001