Succisa pratensis secondary metabolites as new anti-glycative agents: In vitro chemical and in silico investigations

Plant secondary metabolites can counteract glycation process responsible for the formation of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), involved in chronic degenerative diseases mediated by AGEs receptor (RAGE). The research aim was to evaluate the anti-glycative properties of Succisa pratensis extract rich in secoiridoids, mono- and di-caffeoylquinic acids, flavonoids, and saponins identified by RP-HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn analysis. The extract reduced AGEs formation, mainly at the final step of glycation (100%), and showed a high capacity to trap methylglyoxal and glyoxal (almost 100%). In vitro simulated digestion indicated a low bioaccessibility and bioavailability of the extract compounds, even if a partial anti-glycative activity was retained, mainly attributed to akebia saponin D which had high affinity for RAGE, forming stable complexes, as evident by molecular docking simulations. Therefore, S. pratensis extract could represent a promising source of anti-glycative agents, although a suitable carrier will be necessary to stabilize the extract and improve its bioaccessibility and bioavailability.