Bioactive Extracts and Constituents from Taraxacum mongolicum: Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Enzyme-Inhibitory, and Molecular Docking Studies

Taraxacum mongolicum, a medicinal and edible plant of the Asteraceae family, is widely consumed in East Asia and contains diverse bioactive compounds. This study systematically evaluated the bioactivities of whole-plant extracts and their components and elucidated the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Among the extracts, the methanol fraction exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, effective inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production, and modulation of inflammation-related proteins. In addition, the extracts demonstrated α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities, indicating multifunctional bioactive potential. Activity-guided analysis identified luteolin (2) and apigenin (4) as key active compounds with strong NO inhibitory effects. Western blot analysis revealed that both compounds significantly downregulated NO-related protein expression. Mechanistically, luteolin attenuated inflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and modulating the MAPK pathway, whereas apigenin primarily exerted its effects through NF-κB suppression. Both compounds also promoted M2 macrophage marker expression, suggesting a role in immune regulation. Molecular docking analysis further confirmed stable binding interactions of luteolin and apigenin with iNOS and COX-2. Overall, these findings demonstrate that T. mongolicum possesses antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitory, and anti-inflammatory activities and supports its further investigation as a multifunctional bioactive resource.