Exploring the bioactivity potential of indigenous species from Northern Serbia: insights into antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase properties.

This study explores the bioactivity potential of four indigenous species from northern Serbia (, , , and ), comparing antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase (anti-AChE) properties. The mycochemical profile, including ethanol (EtOH), water (HO), and chloroform (CHCl) extracts, was analysed, revealing significant phenolic compounds, such as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Highest total phenolic content (TP) was in EtOH extracts (205 - 380 mg GAE/g d.w.), and total carbohydrate content peaked in CHCl extracts (1895 ± 0.29 mg GluE/g d.w., 439 ± 0.42 mg FruE/g d.w.). DPPH and FRAP activities were prominent in HO extracts, while CHCl extracts excelled in the NO assay, and EtOH extracts were superior in the ABTS assay. The most effective AChE inhibitors were polar extracts from . These findings emphasise the potential therapeutic use of species, particularly in combating oxidative stress and acetylcholine deficiencies.