Phytochemical Profiling screening and Evaluation of Their Multi-target Biological Potentials of Catha edulis Ethanolic Extract

Abstract

Catha edulis (Khat) is a perennial shrub widely recognized for its psychostimulant properties due to its alkaloid content. However, its non-alkaloidal secondary metabolites and their therapeutic potential remain significantly under-explored. This study aimed to characterize the polyphenolic profile of C. edulis ethanolic extracts and evaluate their antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial activities in vitro. Phytochemical fingerprinting via HPLC-DAD revealed a rich composition of flavonoids and tannins, primarily quercetin-3-O-galactoside and epigallocatechin. The extract exhibited potent radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 14.2 pm 0.5 mu g/mL in DPPH assay) and exceptional inhibitory effects against alpha-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 42.5 pm 1.2 mu g/mL), outperforming the clinical drug Acarbose. Furthermore, significant antibacterial activity was observed against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. These findings provide compelling evidence for the pharmaceutical potential of C. edulis in managing oxidative stress and metabolic disorders, advocating for its use as a source of bioactive natural products.