Integrated Valorization of Acorus Macrospadiceus by Comprehensive Evaluation of Hydro-Distilled Essential Oil and Residual Non-Volatile Extracts

Purpose The present study aims to give a comprehensive evaluation of hydro-distilled essential oil and residual non-volatile extracts from Acorus macrospadiceus by determining their chemical composition and biological activities. Methods A. macrospadiceus essential oil (AMEO) was obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. The aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared from the distillation residues and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Their total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. Biological activities of AMEO, aqueous and methanolic extracts were evaluated. DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays were employed for antioxidant activity evaluation. Antimicrobial activities were evaluated by determining MICs and MMCs against 9 microorganisms. Inhibitory effects on tyrosinase, alpha-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase were also investigated. Results The yield of aqueous extract was much higher than those of AMEO and methanolic extract. The most abundant compound in the AMEO was estragole. The methanolic extract showed higher phenolic and flavonoid contents than the aqueous extract. 8 phenolics and 9 flavonoids were tentatively identified in the extracts. The extracts displayed significant antioxidant activity, which could be attributed to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The methanolic extract demonstrated moderate antimicrobial activity against B. cereus while AMEO was more effective in inhibiting C. albicans. AMEO, aqueous and methanolic extracts were found to have inhibitory effects on tyrosinase. Both methanolic and aqueous extracts displayed inhibitory effects on alpha-glucosidase and butyrylcholinesterase. Conclusion The present study provided valuable insights into the chemical composition and biological activities of A. macrospadiceus, establishing this species a valuable source of bioactive components.