Comparison of Two Varieties Fig (Peggy Red and Green) Peel Extracts by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis and for Neuroprotective Efficacy in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Previous reports revealed that peel extracts of Ficus carica (fig) have a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities. The current study aimed to determine the phytochemical components of the ethanol extracts of Peggy Red fig (PRF) and Green fig (GF) peels by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis, along with its antioxidant properties and neuroprotective effect in Caenorhabditis elegans. LC–MS/MS analysis confirmed 50 compounds in the extract, which revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, and exhibited in vitro antioxidant activity. PRF and GF peel had 163.25 (mg gallic acid equivalent [mg GAE]) g⁻¹, 125.32 (mg GAE) g⁻¹ of total phenolic content, 62.52 (mg rutin equivalent [mg RE]) g⁻¹, and 43.36 (mg RE) g⁻¹ flavonoids content, respectively. In all antioxidant assays, the extract of PRF peel showed higher antioxidant activity than the GF peel, and the extract of PRF peel could effectively reduce the aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ), decrease the paralysis of the body, and increase the antioxidant enzyme activities to reduce the toxicity of Aβ_1–42 in Alzheimer's disease (AD) transgenic C. elegans CL4176. Therefore, PRF peel extract may have potential applications as a new source for drug development against AD.