Exploration of phytochemical components, bioactivity based fractionation, and in silico HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory effect of Euphorbia dendroides chloroform extract

Nat Prod Res. 2025 Jan 4:1-9. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2448843. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

The chloroform extract of leaves of E. dendroides L, reduced the levels of lipid profile in rats with hypercholesterolaemia to near-normal levels. Additionally, it significantly decreased the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, the extract augmented the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) in the hypercholesterolemic treated rats. The docking results verified the binding mechanism of isolated compound as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. The identified compound has the essential pharmacophoric features of Simvastatin. Furthermore, the ADMET profile of an isolated terpene was computed and compared to that of simvastatin as a reference medication. This compound demonstrated a favourable absorption rate of 90.44, which is similar to that of simvastatin (94. 63). Additionally, it demonstrated better CNS penetration and lower excretion rates than simvastatin, resulting in a longer duration of action. It also has an extensive therapeutic window and better selectivity towards cancer cells in opposition to normal cells.

Keywords: Anti-hyperlipidemicagents; Euphorbia dendroides; HMG-CoA reductase; molecular docking.