Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Evaluation of Pistacia lentiscus L. grown in Chlef (Algeria): An Integrated In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Study

Abstract

Pistacia lentiscus L. plays an integral role in Algerian traditional therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate P. lentiscus methanol extract (PLME) for its potential antihypoxic and antioxidant activity and to characterize its phytochemical profile. Locomotor and exploratory behavior were investigated using the open‐field test (OF). Also, biological activity prediction was performed using the PASS online platform, and molecular docking studies were carried out using AutoDock Vina software. Quantitative investigations revealed high levels of total phenolics (713.952 ± 12.58 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (315.821 ± 2.219 mg QE/g extract). The HPLC‐MS analysis identified phenolic acids and flavonoids. The extract exhibited a dose‐dependent increase in scavenging activity and reducing power. PLME could dose‐dependently enhance the survival time of mice under normobaric hypoxia and after injection of sodium nitrite. PLME significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level compared to the control group. Furthermore, PLME increased the number of squares crossed and the number of rearings in the OF test. PLME constituents exhibited favorable binding affinities with the HIF‐1α and drug‐likeness properties. This is the first study to evaluate the antihypoxic efficacy of P. lentiscus L. extract and highlight its significance as a medicinal plant by in vivo and in silico approaches.