Ziziphus budhensis Seed Extracts: Phytoconstituents and Preliminary In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Activities

Ziziphus budhensis (Rhamnaceae) is an endemic Nepalese species with significant religious and economic importance in Nepal, mainly due to the use of its seeds in religious ornaments. Its edible fruits and woody seeds are used for preparing Bodhichitta mala. Despite their significance, the seeds have received little scientific attention, particularly regarding their chemical composition and biological properties. To address this gap, sequential extracts of Z. budhensis seeds were prepared using solvents of increasing polarity. Preliminary bioassays, namely antioxidant, antibacterial, and enzyme-inhibitory activities, as well as toxicity studies, were performed. Biological screening showed moderate antioxidant and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities, whereas noticeable antibacterial and antifungal effects were witnessed for acetone and ethyl acetate extracts. Brine shrimp lethality test and acute toxicity mouse models indicated limited or no toxicity for the different extracts. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry allowed the identification of fatty acids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, cyclopeptide alkaloids, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds. Overall, this study offers the first integrated chemical and biological insight into Z. budhensis seeds and points to their potential relevance as a natural source of antimicrobial bioactive compounds, cosmetic products, and skin health formulations.