Globularia alypum L. and Related Species: LC-MS Profiles and Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial and Anticancer Potential

Species from the genus Globularia L. have been used as healing agents for various ailments, with utilization of Globularia alypum L. being most frequently reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer potential of G. alypum and three related species, G. punctata Lapeyr., G. cordifolia L. and G. meridionalis (Podp.) O.Schwarz, in relation to their phytochemical compositions. Globularin and verbascoside were identified using LC-PDA-ESI-MS( )(n)as the major metabolites of G. alypum with known biological activities. G. alypum demonstrated the greatest alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 17.25 mu g/mL), while its anti-inflammatory activity was not significantly different from those of related species. All investigated species showed considerable antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the broth microdilution method (MIC = 1.42-3.79 mg/mL). G. punctata also showed antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli (MIC = 1.42 mg/mL), Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 1.89 mg/mL), B. cereus (MIC = 2.84 mg/mL) and Enterococcus faecalis (MBC = 5.68 mg/mL). G. punctata, G. cordifolia and G. meridionalis showed greater anticancer potential than G. alypum. Obtained results indicate investigated Globularia species could serve as sources of diverse bioactive molecules, with G. punctata having the greatest antibacterial potential.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the medicinal potential of species from the genus Globularia, specifically focusing on their antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. The results showed that Globularia alypum and other related species exhibited significant biological activities, with G. punctata demonstrating the strongest antibacterial potential.