Berries from Luzuriaga radicans Ruiz & Pav. : A Southern Chile Climbing Shrub as a Source of Antioxidants Against Chronic Diseases

Abstract

In recent years, numerous studies have emerged on the biological activities of endemic berries from the Valdivian Forest and their potential for therapeutic use. However, some species appear to have been relatively neglected. The objective of this study was to conduct, for the first time, a phytochemical composition analysis of a hydroalcoholic extract of Luzuriaga radicans Ruiz & Pav. and to evaluate its potential as an antioxidant and as an enzyme inhibitor in relation to chronic non-communicable diseases. The berries were collected in the Saval Park in Valdivia and were subsequently extracted via sonication in ethanol/water. UHPLC-DAD, HPLC-APCI (+)-MS, and UHPLC-ESI (+)-TOF-MS analysis allowed for the identification of several carotenoid ester species. According to UHPLC-DAD, the sum of carotenoids yielded was 983.4 ± 26.3 mg/kg DW, while the concentration of the phenolic compounds was 9.33 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g dry fruit. The extract exhibited antioxidant properties by scavenging DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothioazolin-6-sulfonic acid)) radicals, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). It also demonstrated cholinesterase enzyme inhibitor capacities (AChE and BuChE—IC50: 6.904 ± 0.42 and 18.38 ± 0.48 µg/mL, respectively). Docking calculations were additionally performed for a selection of compounds in the berries. The data obtained suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of L. radicans possesses significant potential as a natural antioxidant and for the inhibition of enzymes, making it a promising candidate for the development of phytotherapeutic and nutraceutical products, especially as a supplement against chronic diseases.