HRMS-based profiling of metabolites, metal ions content and in-vitro cholinesterase inhibitory activities of Sonchus wightianus DC plant parts

Background: Sonchus wightianus DC is native to South Asia and has traditionally been known for its wide range of applications for the treatment of several human ailments. However, its application for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) has not been studied yet. In this present study, comprehensive metabolite profiling of plant parts and in-vitro cholinesterase inhibitory potential was examined to see the efficacy of plant extract against AD. Results: The potent antioxidant activity was demonstrated by the flower extract in both DPPH and ABTS assays, with IC₅₀ values of 104.06 ± 2.05 µg/mL and 67.69 ± 1.58 µg/mL, respectively. The crude methanol extract of the leaf displayed the highest butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition potential with IC₅₀ values of 281.09 ± 14.64 µg/mL. In contrast, the flower extract exhibited the strongest acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition with IC₅₀ values of 247.51 ± 11.15 µg/mL. Furthermore, the evaluated plant parts were a rich source of essential macro and micronutrients. Principal component analysis revealed the major contribution of total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) in the plant extracts, which might be the prime reason for strong antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibition. Further, the HRMS profiling analysis revealed the presence of Linoleic acid, gingerol, kaempferol, genistein, daidzein, chlorogenic acid, fisetin and 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that Sonchus wightianus DC is a promising source of bioactive compounds and essential micronutrients, with notable potential as an anticholinesterase agent. How to cite: Subedi A, Pandey BP, Pradhan SP, et al. HRMS-based profiling of metabolites, metal ions content and in-vitro cholinesterase inhibitory activities of Sonchus wightianus DC plant parts. Electron J Biotechnol 2026;79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2025.100702.