Pistacia lentiscus L. Fatty Oil and its Unsaponifiable Matter: Antidiabetic and Neuroprotective Activities

Background: The inhibition of key enzymes involved in type II diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease is an effective therapeutic approach for managing these health disorders. This study aimed to assess the antidiabetic and neuroprotective effects of Pistacia lentiscus L.

Methods: The potential of Pistacia lentiscus L. fatty oil (PLFO) was investigated against the activities of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase. Additionally, the unsaponifiable matter (USM) of this oil was isolated and screened for the same activities. Furthermore, the antioxidant power of both extracts was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays.

Results: The results revealed that PLFO exhibited a low antioxidant effect primarily due to its USM. The potent antidiabetic effect of PLFO was also attributed to its USM, while the whole oil was responsible for the neuroprotective effect.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that PLFO and its USM could serve as natural sources of compounds for managing type II diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.