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Phytochemical Profiling, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Insights Into the Urease Inhibitory Potential of
Sarra Belkhir1, Meriem Rahmani-Berboucha1, Sarah Sihem Zemam2
1Laboratoire de Biochimie Appliquée, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia, 06000, Algeria.
Chemistry & Biodiversity
|August 14, 2026
Summary
Fraxinus angustifolia leaves show significant potential as a natural source of urease inhibitors. The study highlights their effectiveness against Helicobacter pylori and related gastric disorders, supporting traditional medicinal uses.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
- Microbiology
- Enzyme Kinetics
Background:
- Fraxinus angustifolia (F. angustifolia) has a history of use in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal and inflammatory conditions.
- Urease and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are key factors in the development of gastric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-urease, anti-Helicobacter pylori, and anti-inflammatory activities of F. angustifolia leaf extracts.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of action for these activities.
- To identify key phenolic compounds responsible for the observed bioactivities.
Main Methods:
- Ethanolic leaf extract and phenolic fractions of F. angustifolia were prepared.
- In vitro assays were performed to evaluate anti-urease and anti-H. pylori activity (MIC).
- HPLC-DAD was used for phenolic compound identification and quantification; enzyme kinetics and molecular docking were employed for mechanism elucidation.
Main Results:
- The ethanolic extract and its fractions demonstrated significant urease inhibition and anti-H. pylori activity.
- The aqueous fraction of chloroform (AC) showed the most potent effect, with a urease IC50 of 384.55 ± 4.31 µg/mL and MIC of 1000 µg/mL against H. pylori.
- Key phenolic compounds identified include quercetin-3-O-glucoside, rutin, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and apigenin, with varying concentrations in the crude extract and AC fraction.
- Enzyme kinetics indicated a mixed mode of urease inhibition, supported by molecular docking studies predicting stable binding of phenolic compounds.
Conclusions:
- F. angustifolia leaves are a valuable source of natural urease inhibitors with anti-H. pylori properties.
- The findings support the traditional use of F. angustifolia for managing gastric disorders.
- Further research into isolating active compounds and in vivo efficacy is warranted.