Diospyros Kaki Leaves Decoction Phytochemical Characterization and Bioactivities Evaluation: LC-MS-Qtof Identification, Antioxidant Activity, Enzyme Inhibition and Cytotoxicity Toward HepG2 and Mcf-7 Cell Lines

Abstract

Diospyros kaki known as Persimmon has played an important role in Chinese medicine, and its leaves are used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and beverages due to their biological properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate chemical composition, antioxidant activity, enzyme inhibition. The main compounds of Diospyros kaki leaves decoctions were identified using high-resolution liquid chromatography – high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS-MS) interfaced with a Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (Q-tof). The obtained results showed that the aqueous extract had a high content of total phenolsand flavonoids and showed strong antioxidant activity (EC50 between 3.79±0.19 and 12.05±0.11µg/mL). In addition, these extracts were able to inhibit3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaril-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase and acetylcholinesterase (IC50 ranging from 58.35±0.69 to 210.21±28.9 µg/mL). The cytotoxicity against human liver cells HepG2 and breast MCF7 cell lines was also evaluated. No cytotoxicity to HepG2 and MCF7 cells was detected. These results indicate that Diospyros kaki leaves could be considered as attractive source of health-promoting ingredients and a promising plant for the development of new functional foods and pharmaceutical products.