In this study, the antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz fruits were evaluated. Total phenolic and flavonoid compounds, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothioazoline-6-sulfonic acid), 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and superoxide anion radicals scavenging activities and ferric-reducing antioxidant power of water, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol extracts were determined for the measurement of the antioxidant activity. Quercetin and α-tocopherol were used as standard antioxidants. The inhibitory effect of the water extract on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was evaluated using the Ellman method and galantamine was used as a standard. Water extract had the highest total phenolic concentration and the strongest antioxidant activity followed by ethyl acetate and acetone extracts whereas methanol extract has the lowest phenolics and weakest antioxidant activity. Moreover, water extract showed moderate ability to inhibit AChE. It was concluded that fruits of S. torminalis have antioxidant and anti-AChE activities and that the plant might be a natural source of antioxidants and AChE inhibitors.

Background: Grape seed extract (GSE) from Vitis vinifera L. is rich in polyphenols and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), and it has shown potential benefits in managing low mood and cognitive function. In this study, we investigated the potential bioactivities of Enovita^®, a standardized GSE extract (GSEe herein) rich in OPCs, in key mechanistic pathways related to low mood conditions and cognitive function. Methods: In vitro assays were conducted to assess GSEe’s inhibitory effects on γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), its binding affinity to the GABA site of GABA-A receptors, and its effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Its neuroprotective effects on human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells under oxidative stress (induced by H₂O₂) were assessed using MTT and LDH release assays. Its antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, ORAC, HORAC, total phenolic content, and TAS assays. Its cytotoxicity was also evaluated. Results: GSEe showed significant GABA-T inhibitory activity. It also exhibited MAO-A and AChE inhibition, along with moderate binding affinity to the GABA-A receptor. In neuroprotective assays, GSEe provided significant protection to SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative stress. GSEe demonstrated robust antioxidant activity in all assays, including scavenging of DPPH and ABTS radicals, high ferric-reducing power, high polyphenolic contents, and a substantial total antioxidant capacity. Conclusions: GSEe exhibits promising bioactivities, highlighting its potential as a supplement for modulating mood and enhancing cognitive function. Overall, the promising results from these in vitro studies provide a strong foundation for the continued exploration and development of GSEe as a viable natural supplement for enhancing mental health and cognitive function.

Fruits of several Sorbus species (Rosaceace) are used both in traditional medicine as antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, diuretic, vasoprotective and in foods. In this study, in vitro antidiabetic activities of water extracts of Sorbus aucuparia L. (rowan tree) and Sorbus torminalis L. Crantz (wild sevice tree) fruits were investigated by measuring inhibitory potentials on α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase activities, the most important digestive enzymes. Also, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the fruits were determined to evaluate the association between phenolic content and antidiabetic activity. S. torminalis and S. aucuparia extracts exhibited strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, more effective than that of standard drug acarbose. However, S. torminalis has shown moderate inhibitory effect against α-amylase while S. aucuparia exhibited weak inhibition. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the fruits were correlated with andiabetic activities. It has been suggested that antidiabetic effects of the fruits may be due to phenolic compounds present therein. Therefore, S. aucuparia and S. torminalis fruits might be potential sources of antidiabetic compounds.

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