Biological activity and phytochemistry of firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea M.J. Roemer)

• Enzyme inhibitory activity was the first report for Pyracantha coccinea.
• Phenolic compositions of this species have not previously been reported.
• It can also be useful as therapeutic agent for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

The phytochemical composition, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of the ethanol and water extracts of Pyracantha coccinea were evaluated. Ethanol extract was found rich in phenolics, flavonoids, condensed tannins and saponins. Additionally, all the phytochemicals were found in higher amounts in ethanol extract except gallic, protocatechuic and trans-cinnamic acids. Ethanol extract had higher scavenging potential on DPPH radical, ABTS radical cation, superoxide anion and nitric oxide than the water extract. Ethanol extracts also exhibited higher activity in iron (III) to iron (II) reduction, cupric ion reducing, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and phosphomolybdenum assays. On the other hand, activity of water extract was determined as 2.15 mg ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid equivalents (EDTAEs)/g fresh fruit in the chelating effect assay. Inhibitory activities of the extracts on acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase and tyrosinase were also analysed. In parallel to its phytochemical composition, ethanol extract showed better inhibitory activity on all enzymes tested.