Molecular Docking Studies of Coumarins Isolated from Extracts and Essential Oils of Zosima absinthifolia Link as Potential Inhibitors for Alzheimer’s Disease

Coumarins and essential oils are the major components of the Apiaceae family and the Zosima genus. The present study reports anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities of extracts and essential oils from aerial parts, roots, flowers, fruits and coumarins—bergapten (1); imperatorin (2), pimpinellin (3) and umbelliferone (4)—isolated of the roots from Zosima absinthifolia. The investigation by light and scanning electron microscopy of the structures of secretory canals found different chemical compositions in the various types of secretory canals which present in the aerial parts, fruits and flowers. The canals, present in the aerial parts, are characterized by terpene hydrocarbons, while the secretory canals of roots, flowers and fruits include esters. Novel data of a comparative study on essential oils constituents of aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits of Z. absinthfolia has been presented. The roots and fruits extract showed a high content of total phenolics and antioxidant activity. The GC-FID and GC-MS analysis revealed that the main components of the aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits extracts were octanol (8.8%), octyl octanoate (7.6%), octyl acetate (7.3%); trans-pinocarvyl acetate (26.7%), β-pinene (8.9%); octyl acetate (19.9%), trans-p-menth-2-en-1-ol (4.6%); octyl acetate (81.6%), and (Z)-4-octenyl acetate (5.1%). The dichloromethane fraction of fruit and flower essential oil was characterized by the highest phenolics level and antioxidant activity. The dichloromethane fraction of fruit had the best inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase enzyme (82.27 ± 1.97%) which was higher then acetylcholinesterase inhibition (61.09 ± 4.46%) of umbelliferone. This study shows that the flowers and fruit of Z. absinthifolia can be a new potential resource of natural antioxidant and anticholinesterase compounds.

Z. absinthifolia Link is the only member of the Zosima genus that grows in Turkey, where it is commonly known as 'ayı eli' or 'peynir otu'. The aerial parts of the plant are used up as a vegetable and added to a traditional cheese in East Anatolia. In folk medicine, fruits of the plant have digestive and sedative effects with anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, the aerial parts cure dyspepsia, stomach gas, cough and intestinal disorders [17]. Coumarins, such as deltoin and columbianadin, have also been isolated from Z. absinthifolia [18]. It has been reported that Z. absinthifolia has biological activities such as cytotoxic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory [19,20] and antimycobacterial effects [21]. Previous phytochemical studies have demonstrated that Z. absinthifolia contains alkaloids and coumarins such as deltoin, imperatorin, zosimine, pimpinellin, bergapten, isobergapten, sphondin isopimpinellin, and umbelliferone [17].
The presented research studied the cholinesterase inhibitory, antioxidant activity, and phenolics content of the methanol, hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous extracts and essential oils of aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits of Z. absinthifolia. The AChE and BuChE inhibitory activities of the coumarins bergapten (1), imperatorin (2), pimpinellin (3) and umbelliferone (4) isolated from the roots of Z. absinthifolia were also assessed through molecular docking studies with parallel investigation of the structures of the plant's secretory canals.

Results
The CH 3 OH extracts of aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits of Zosima absinthifolia were fractionated with the use of different solvents (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanol), to give the respective fractions and the individual coumarins bergapten (1), imperatorin (2), pimpinellin (3) and umbelliferone (4) isolated from roots which were assayed for antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Also, the AChE and BuChE inhibitory activities of the compounds were determined via molecular docking.
The active dichloromethane fraction of root was subjected to column chromatography over silica gel and Sephadex LH-20. As the result, four known coumarins namely, bergapten (1) [17], imperatorin (2) [17], pimpinellin (3) [22] and umbelliferone (4) [17] (Figure 1) were isolated and identified in several places before it says these were isolated from the roots-explain. Z. absinthifolia Link is the only member of the Zosima genus that grows in Turkey, where it is commonly known as 'ayı eli' or 'peynir otu'. The aerial parts of the plant are used up as a vegetable and added to a traditional cheese in East Anatolia. In folk medicine, fruits of the plant have digestive and sedative effects with anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, the aerial parts cure dyspepsia, stomach gas, cough and intestinal disorders [17]. Coumarins, such as deltoin and columbianadin, have also been isolated from Z. absinthifolia [18]. It has been reported that Z. absinthifolia has biological activities such as cytotoxic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory [19,20] and antimycobacterial effects [21]. Previous phytochemical studies have demonstrated that Z. absinthifolia contains alkaloids and coumarins such as deltoin, imperatorin, zosimine, pimpinellin, bergapten, isobergapten, sphondin isopimpinellin, and umbelliferone [17].
The presented research studied the cholinesterase inhibitory, antioxidant activity, and phenolics content of the methanol, hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous extracts and essential oils of aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits of Z. absinthifolia. The AChE and BuChE inhibitory activities of the coumarins bergapten (1), imperatorin (2), pimpinellin (3) and umbelliferone (4) isolated from the roots of Z. absinthifolia were also assessed through molecular docking studies with parallel investigation of the structures of the plant's secretory canals.

Results
The CH3OH extracts of aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits of Zosima absinthifolia were fractionated with the use of different solvents (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanol), to give the respective fractions and the individual coumarins bergapten (1), imperatorin (2), pimpinellin (3) and umbelliferone (4) isolated from roots which were assayed for antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Also, the AChE and BuChE inhibitory activities of the compounds were determined via molecular docking.
The active dichloromethane fraction of root was subjected to column chromatography over silica gel and Sephadex LH-20. As the result, four known coumarins namely, bergapten (1) [17], imperatorin (2) [17], pimpinellin (3) [22] and umbelliferone (4) [17] (Figure 1) were isolated and identified in several places before it says these were isolated from the roots -explain. The extracts, fractions and essential oils of aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits were studied regarding their antioxidant capacity potential. The findings of content of total phenolics from the samples are presented in Figure 2B. The highest level of total phenolics was seen in root and fruit (59.81 and 52.34 mg GAE g −1 DW, respectively) while the least content of phenolics was seen in the aerial parts of the plant (34.07 mg GAE g −1 DW). DPPH analysis results showed the presence of antioxidant activity in the range from 61.92-69.2% with the highest seen in the fruits compared to the extracts of the aerial parts of the plant (Figure 2A). The antioxidant activity results of extract from different Z. absinthifolia parts were quite high compared with the standards propyl gallate, chlorogenic acid, and rutin (Table 1). The extracts, fractions and essential oils of aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits were studied regarding their antioxidant capacity potential. The findings of content of total phenolics from the samples are presented in Figure 2B. The highest level of total phenolics was seen in root and fruit (59.81 and 52.34 mg GAE g −1 DW, respectively) while the least content of phenolics was seen in the aerial parts of the plant (34.07 mg GAE g −1 DW). DPPH analysis results showed the presence of antioxidant activity in the range from 61.92-69.2% with the highest seen in the fruits compared to the extracts of the aerial parts of the plant (Figure 2A). The antioxidant activity results of extract from different Z. absinthifolia parts were quite high compared with the standards propyl gallate, chlorogenic acid, and rutin (Table 1).    Table 1 shows the TBA assay results of the specimens reported as IC50 values (μg mL −1 ). The highest antioxidant potential in the TBA assay was seen in the fruit CH2Cl2 fraction and flower essential oil (IC50 = 48.98 and 97.11 μg/mL, respectively). Among the isolated compounds pimpinellin and bergapten had strong antioxidant effects, with IC50 values of 49.23 and 56.99 μg/mL. Many of samples indicated considerable antioxidant activity on liposomes but not comparable to rutin or chlorogenic acid. The correlation coefficient between antioxidant capacity and content of total phenolics is remarkable (0.96).
The anticholinesterase activity of the samples was assessed by means of the Ellman colourimetric method [23], with a few changes and using commercially available donepezil as reference [24]. The in vitro anti-acetylcholinesterase activities of the specimens at 20 μg/mL are presented in Table 2. The MeOH, hexane, CH2Cl2, EtOAc and BuOH extracts and fractions of essential oils from all plant parts demonstrated significative inhibitory activities towards butyrylcholinesterase. The fruit CH2Cl2 fraction and flower essential oil indicated considerable inhibition against BuChE (82.27 ± 1.97 and 78.65 ± 2.66%, respectively). The CH2Cl2 fractions of root and fruit also showed considerable inhibition against AChE (29.15 ± 2.45 and 31.46 ± 2.78%, respectively). Among the isolated compounds umbelliferone indicated strong inhibition against AChE (61.09 ± 4.46%) and pimpinellin had strong inhibition against BuChE with a 66.55 ± 2.61% value. On the other hand, none of the aqueous residues had activity against AChE, while only aerial part essential oil had no activity   Table 1 shows the TBA assay results of the specimens reported as IC 50 values (µg mL −1 ). The highest antioxidant potential in the TBA assay was seen in the fruit CH 2 Cl 2 fraction and flower essential oil (IC 50 = 48.98 and 97.11 µg/mL, respectively). Among the isolated compounds pimpinellin and bergapten had strong antioxidant effects, with IC 50 values of 49.23 and 56.99 µg/mL. Many of samples indicated considerable antioxidant activity on liposomes but not comparable to rutin or chlorogenic acid. The correlation coefficient between antioxidant capacity and content of total phenolics is remarkable (0.96).
The anticholinesterase activity of the samples was assessed by means of the Ellman colourimetric method [23], with a few changes and using commercially available donepezil as reference [24]. The in vitro anti-acetylcholinesterase activities of the specimens at 20 µg/mL are presented in Table 2. The MeOH, hexane, CH 2 Cl 2 , EtOAc and BuOH extracts and fractions of essential oils from all plant parts demonstrated significative inhibitory activities towards butyrylcholinesterase. The fruit CH 2 Cl 2 fraction and flower essential oil indicated considerable inhibition against BuChE (82.27 ± 1.97 and 78.65 ± 2.66%, respectively). The CH 2 Cl 2 fractions of root and fruit also showed considerable inhibition against AChE (29.15 ± 2.45 and 31.46 ± 2.78%, respectively). Among the isolated compounds umbelliferone indicated strong inhibition against AChE (61.09 ± 4.46%) and pimpinellin had strong inhibition against BuChE with a 66.55 ± 2.61% value. On the other hand, none of the aqueous residues had activity against AChE, while only aerial part essential oil had no activity against this enzyme. The BuOH fraction of fruit and aqueous residue fraction of aerial parts and flowers displayed no butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activity. Amongst the essential oils the fruit (83.01%) and root (81.32%) ones indicated considerable inhibition towards BuChE. The most active compounds (umbelliferone against AChE and pimpinellin against BuChE) were docked at the binding sites of 1-EVE and 1-P0I. The molecular interactions of the compounds possibly accounting for the inhibition are shown in Figures 3 and 4. Umbelliferone exhibits a good docking score for 1-EVE (−7.46 kcal/mol) when compared to the standard donepezil. Umbelliferone has three π-π stacking interactions (4.25 Å, 3.89 Å and 4.70 Å) with PHE330 and TRP84. In addition, hydrophobic interactions were formed between the molecule and TRP84, PHE330, PHE331, TYR121, TYR334. The polar interaction was realized by HIS 440. On the other hand the docking score of pimpinellin was −5.78 kcal/mol compared to the standard donepezil. Pimpinellin has two π-π stacking interactions (5.09 Å and 5.10 Å) with the phenyl ring of PHE 329. In addition, hydrophobic interactions were formed between the molecule and the PHE329, PRO285, LEU286, VAL288, TRP231, PHE398, ALA199 residues. The polar interactions were realized by SER287, GLN119, SER198.
Essential oil % yields of the various parts and the colours of these essential oils are presented in Table 3. The colours of essential oils from different parts of Z. absinthfolia varied. The flowers and fruits essential oils of Z. absinthfolia were yellow while the aerial part and roots gave light yellow and white coloured oils, respectively.
In general, the yield of the root oil was low compared to the aerial part, fruit and flower ones. The best yield results were obtained for fruit (Table 3). A total of thirty-three compounds totaling 94.7% of the oil were identified in the essential oil of aerial parts of Z. absinthfolia. Octanol, octyl octanoate and octyl acetate were the primary components, amounting to 8.8%, 7.6% and 7.3%, respectively. The analysis of the roots of Z. absinthfolia resulted in the identification of forty-four compounds totaling 81.6% of the oil. trans-Pinocarvyl acetate at 26.7% was the most abundant compound in the essential oil, followed by β-pinene (8.9%). Eighty-three compounds were characterized in the oil of the flowers of Z. absinthfolia, accounting for 82.5% of the oil. The primary constituents were identified as octyl acetate (19.9%), and trans-p-menth-2-en-1-ol (4.6%). The analysis on the fruits of Z. absinthfolia resulted in the determination of fifty-two essential compounds totaling 99.2%. Octyl acetate at 81.6% was the most abundant compound in the essential oil followed by (Z)-4-octenyl acetate (5.1%). The compositions of essential oils are presented in Table 4.    The most active compounds (umbelliferone against AChE and pimpinellin against BuChE) were docked at the binding sites of 1-EVE and 1-P0I. The molecular interactions of the compounds possibly accounting for the inhibition are shown in Figures 3 and 4. Umbelliferone exhibits a good docking score for 1-EVE (−7.46 kcal/mol) when compared to the standard donepezil. Umbelliferone has three π-π stacking interactions (4.25 Å, 3.89 Å and 4.70 Å) with PHE330 and TRP84. In addition, hydrophobic interactions were formed between the molecule and TRP84, PHE330, PHE331, TYR121, TYR334. The polar interaction was realized by HIS 440. On the other hand the docking score of pimpinellin was −5.78 kcal/mol compared to the standard donepezil. Pimpinellin has two π-π stacking interactions (5.09 Å and 5.10 Å) with the phenyl ring of PHE 329. In addition, hydrophobic interactions were formed between the molecule and the PHE329, PRO285, LEU286, VAL288, TRP231, PHE398, ALA199 residues. The polar interactions were realized by SER287, GLN119, SER198.     The determined compounds were categorized into two main classes on the basis of their chemical structures: isoprenoids (oxygenated monoterpenes, terpene hydrocarbons) and nonisoprenoids variously functionalized (alkanes, aldehydes, lactones, ketones, alcohols, furans, fatty acids and esters). Terpene hydrocarbons, esters, fatty acids-esters, and alcohols were the dominant groups of compounds in the essential oils (Table 5). The micrographs of the peduncles, rays, pedicels, and fruits of Z. absinthifolia were obtained from alcohol samples utilizing light microcopy (Figures 5-8) and from the dried samples through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM, Jeol JSM 6490LV) (Figure 9a-k). The number of secretory canals in the centre was less than in the cortex at the peduncle. At the ray and pedicel secretory canals were only found in the cortex and the number of canals are higher. The secretory canals in fruit were very large and wide. The determined compounds were categorized into two main classes on the basis of their chemical structures: isoprenoids (oxygenated monoterpenes, terpene hydrocarbons) and nonisoprenoids variously functionalized (alkanes, aldehydes, lactones, ketones, alcohols, furans, fatty acids and esters). Terpene hydrocarbons, esters, fatty acids-esters, and alcohols were the dominant groups of compounds in the essential oils (Table 5). The micrographs of the peduncles, rays, pedicels, and fruits of Z. absinthifolia were obtained from alcohol samples utilizing light microcopy (Figures 5-8) and from the dried samples through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM, Jeol JSM 6490LV) (Figures 9(a-k)). The number of secretory canals in the centre was less than in the cortex at the peduncle. At the ray and pedicel secretory canals were only found in the cortex and the number of canals are higher. The secretory canals in fruit were very large and wide.      Secretory structures of stem, leaf, flower and fruit samples of Z. absinthifolia were studied in detail using light and scanning electron microscopy. The plant has secretory trichomes in the leaf, stem, pedicel and fruit. There are two types of glandular trichomes; capitate trichomes and sessile peltate trichomes. The capitate trichomes were identified on the leaf, pedicel and stem, peltate trichomes on pedicel and fruit. The capitate trichomes are composed of multi basal cells, a long stalk cell with the unicellular secretory head. Peltate trichomes exhibit a flattened head in the pedicel or a granular head in fruit formed by several cells arranged in a circle (Figure 9). Extrafloral nectaries are found on the pedicel. The secretory ducts show a lumen surrounded by a layer of specialized cells in fruit. Excretion secretory system organs including crystals are observed in the fruit.    Secretory structures of stem, leaf, flower and fruit samples of Z. absinthifolia were studied in detail using light and scanning electron microscopy. The plant has secretory trichomes in the leaf, stem, pedicel and fruit. There are two types of glandular trichomes; capitate trichomes and sessile peltate trichomes. The capitate trichomes were identified on the leaf, pedicel and stem, peltate trichomes on pedicel and fruit. The capitate trichomes are composed of multi basal cells, a long stalk cell with the unicellular secretory head. Peltate trichomes exhibit a flattened head in the pedicel or a granular head in fruit formed by several cells arranged in a circle (Figure 9). Extrafloral nectaries are found on the pedicel. The secretory ducts show a lumen surrounded by a layer of specialized cells in fruit. Excretion secretory system organs including crystals are observed in the fruit.

Discussion
Coumarins are compounds naturally present in a great number of plants. Coumarin and its derivatives are prevalent in Nature. Coumarins are benzopyrones, which are compounds comprised of benzene rings linked to a pyrone moiety. Human dietary exposure to benzopyrones is quite considerable, as these compounds occur in fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and higher plants. It has been determined that the mean Western diet includes ~1 g/day of mixed benzopyrones [25]. Coumarins have various biological activities such as anticancer, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antitubercular, antihyperglycemic, antiadipogenic, antifungal, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antihypertensive, antiviral, antioxidant, neuroprotective and antidiabetic effects [26].
In the current research, umbelliferone and pimpinellin were isolated from Zosima absinthfolia, and indicated activity against AChE and BuChE. We assumed that the inhibitory activity of Secretory structures of stem, leaf, flower and fruit samples of Z. absinthifolia were studied in detail using light and scanning electron microscopy. The plant has secretory trichomes in the leaf, stem, pedicel and fruit. There are two types of glandular trichomes; capitate trichomes and sessile peltate trichomes. The capitate trichomes were identified on the leaf, pedicel and stem, peltate trichomes on pedicel and fruit. The capitate trichomes are composed of multi basal cells, a long stalk cell with the unicellular secretory head. Peltate trichomes exhibit a flattened head in the pedicel or a granular head in fruit formed by several cells arranged in a circle (Figure 9). Extrafloral nectaries are found on the pedicel. The secretory ducts show a lumen surrounded by a layer of specialized cells in fruit. Excretion secretory system organs including crystals are observed in the fruit.

Discussion
Coumarins are compounds naturally present in a great number of plants. Coumarin and its derivatives are prevalent in Nature. Coumarins are benzopyrones, which are compounds comprised of benzene rings linked to a pyrone moiety. Human dietary exposure to benzopyrones is quite considerable, as these compounds occur in fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and higher plants. It has been determined that the mean Western diet includes~1 g/day of mixed benzopyrones [25]. Coumarins have various biological activities such as anticancer, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antitubercular, antihyperglycemic, antiadipogenic, antifungal, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antihypertensive, antiviral, antioxidant, neuroprotective and antidiabetic effects [26].
In the current research, umbelliferone and pimpinellin were isolated from Zosima absinthfolia, and indicated activity against AChE and BuChE. We assumed that the inhibitory activity of umbelliferone was primary due to the hydroxyl group at the C-7 position. Also, we assumed that the inhibitory activity of pimpinellin was primary due to the methoxy groups at the C-5 and C-6 positions. Umbelliferone and pimpinellin presented the best activity at 20 µg/mL, while bergapten indicated weak inhibitory activity.
The roots fractions have been characterized by the significant higher content of total phenolics than aerial part fractions. Previously, it was observed that methanol fruit extract of Z. absinthfolia showed high antioxidant activities and a greater content of total phenols in comparison to the hexane and dichloromethane extracts of the plant [27]. A significant correlation was observed between antioxidant capacity and the total phenolics content in previous investigations [28,29] as well. The antioxidant capacity of Z. absinthfolia plant extracts was studied. It was found that peroxidation inhibition of MeOH extract of Z. absinthfolia was 143.5 RC 50 [27]. However, we found that, fruit CH 2 Cl 2 fraction showed higher antioxidant activity in comparison with the MeOH extract.
So far, no data are available about the presence of phenolic compounds in the essential oil from Zosima genus, especially such as α-pinene and octyl acetate which in previous studies showed high antioxidant capacity [33,34]. The high abundance of octyl acetate and possible antioxidative and anticancer effects were estimated in essential oils from the leaves of species of Pittosporum (Pittosporaceae) [35] and in essential oils from Ethiopian herbs Boswellia carterii and Commiphora pyracanthoides Engler [36].
The chemical composition of the different types of secretory canals present in the aerial parts, fruits and flowers were different. The canals present in the aerial parts are characterized by terpene hydrocarbons, while the secretory canals of roots, flowers and fruits include esters. Only canals of fruits contain lactones. Besides, canals of flowers and fruits contain alkanes. We can comment that the number of secretory channels, their location in the organs and their different shapes (broad, big, little, oval etc) could be related to the different chemical compositions of aerial part, root, flower and fruits. The chemical class distribution of the samples is presented in Table 5.
Members of the Apiaceae family are characterized by a specific type of essential oil secretory structure known as secretory canals. Their shapes and numbers can vary between species, within species or even in individual plants. They have large amounts of metabolic products in the area between their secretory canals. Particularly they generate and store essential oils in plants [37,38].
AD is a neurodegenerative disease induced by oxidative stress with a further cholinergic deprivation in the brain. Expressly, a decrease in the amount of acetylcholine delivered from cholinergic synapses has been identified as a cause. One cure methodology involves augmenting or protecting the ratio of acetylcholine via inhibiting acetylcholinesterase [39]. This research indicated that the CH 2 Cl 2 fraction of fruit from Z. absinthifolia has AChE and BuChE inhibitory activity along with high antioxidant capacity. The use of antioxidants may be useful to treat AD. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first study on the anticholinesterase activity of extracts from Z. absinthifolia.
Essential oil components represent a diverse family of low molecular weight organic compounds with remarkable biological activity. In accordance with their chemical structure, these active compounds can be divided into four major groups: terpenoids, phenylpropenes, terpenes, and "others". Besides, they might include diversified functional groups in accordance with which they can be categorised as hydrocarbons (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and aliphatic hydrocarbons); oxygenated compounds (monoterpene and sesquiterpene alcohols, esters, ketones, aldehydes, and other oxygenated compounds); and sulfur and/or nitrogen sulfur including compounds (sulfides, nitriles, thioesters, isothiocyanates, and others). Components that act as cholinesterase inhibitors still represent the only pharmacological treatment of AD. Many in vitro investigations have demonstrated that some compounds present in essential oils such as α-pinene, αand β-asarone, δ-3-carene, carvacrol, 1,8-cineole, thymohydroquinone, anethole, etc have certain cholinesterase inhibitory activity [40].

Plant Specimens
Zosima absinthifolia samples were gathered at the flowering and fruity period from Erzurum in the Palandöken Mountains in 2017 and 2018, and the verified by Prof. Dr Hayri Duman. Voucher specimens were stored at the Herbarium of the Atatürk University Faculty of Pharmacy (AUEF 1275 and AUEF 1283).

Extraction and Isolation
Aerial parts (150 g), roots (150 g), flowers (150 g) and fruits (500 g) were comminuted and macerated with methanol (3 times × 8 h) in a water-bath not exceeding 40 • C (3 × 150 mL) while mixing at 300 rpm with the use of a mechanical mixer. Conjoined aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits extracts were filtered and concentrated up to dryness using a rotating evaporator (Heidolph VV2000, Schwabach, Germany). After that the residue was dissolved in methanol:water (1:9) and subjected to three further fractionation steps with 150 mL of n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, respectively. The weights of the comminuted parts of Zosima absinthifolia and extracts/fractions obtained are indicated in Table 6. The extraction, and identification of purified compounds from the CH 2 Cl 2 fruit fraction was done according to [41]. The effective CH 2 Cl 2 fraction of fruit was first applied to a silica gel column and eluted with a gradient of hexane:EtOAc (100:0 → 0:100, v/v) and EtOAc:MeOH

Isolation of the Essential Oil, GC-FID and GC-MS Analyses
Isolation of the essential oils, GC-FID and GC-MS analyses processes were performed according to [42]. The crushed parts, essential oil % yields of the species and colours of essential oils are presented in Table 2.

Determination of Total Phenolics
The total phenolic content of specimens was evaluated utilising the Folin-Ciocalteu assay [43] with slight modifications [44]. The total phenolics absorbance was determined at 765 nm with the use of a Jenway UV/Vis 6405 spectrophotometer (Jenway, Chelmsford, UK). The findings are reported as gallic acid equivalents (GAE/g specimens).

1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) Radical Scavenging Capacity Assay
The previously detailed DPPH assay [45] was applied with slight alterations. Reagent stock solution (1 × 10 −3 M) was prepared by dissolving 22 mg of DPPH in 50 mL of methanol. This solution was kept at 20 • C until used. Samples (0.02 g) were extracted in two steps: first, to the dry material in an Eppendorf tube was added 1 mL of distilled water. Specimens were heated at 95 • C during 15 min and further for 5 min centrifuged (12,000 rpm, 25 • C). The supernatant was transferred into a fresh tube. The supernatant with 1 mL of dist. water was diluted and the same heating and centrifugation procedure was repeated. The study solution (6 × 10 −5 M) was prepared by mixing 100 mL of methanol with 6 mL of the stock solution. Then, 0.1 mL of each experimental solution was mixed in to react with 3.9 mL of the solution of DPPH, followed by vortexing for 30 s and a further reaction time of 30 min. The optical absorbance was gauged at 515 nm with the Jenway UV/Vis 6405 spectrophotometer. A sample without DPPH solution was utilized as a blank sample. The scavenging activity of DPPH was measured according to the formula below: Scavenging activity of DPPH (%) = [(A control − A sample)/Acontrol] × 100 where A = absorbance at 515 nm.

Anti-Lipid Peroxidation Activity
The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay was utilised to assess the protective activity of samples on liposomes against lipid peroxidation [46]. Seven different sample concentrations (0.016-1 mg/mL) were studied in this test. Chlorogenic acid, rutin and propyl gallate were prepared as reference compounds at seven different concentrations (0.000064-1 mg/mL), and chlorogenic acid and rutin were utilised in the same concentration interval. Brain extract (0.2 mL), phosphate buffer (0.5 mL), ferric chloride (0.1 mL), ascorbic acid (0.1 mL) and the samples were mixed and incubated at 37 • C for 20 minutes. Next, 25% HCl (0.5 mL), 1% TBA (0.5 mL) and 2% BHT (0.1 mL) were added into the mixture, which was shaken and incubated at 85 • C for 30 minutes. The mixture was cooled and n-butanol (2.5 mL) was added. After centrifugation, the absorbance of the samples was recorded at 532 nm using the UV-1800 spectrophotometer. These tests were repeated four times. The IC 50 values were established through linear regression analysis. A low IC 50 value means that the antioxidant activity is high.

Determination of AChE and BuChE Inhibition Activities
The determination of AChE and BuChE inhibition activities of the samples were performed according to [41]. This process was repeated three times for each plate. All data were expressed as mean ± SE of three independent assays.

Microscopic Analysis
Materials (kept in 70% alcohol) from Zosima absinthifolia were assessed by light microscopy using Sartur and chloral hydrate reagents. In the light microscopy study, cross-sections of peduncles, rays, pedicels, and fruits from Z. absinthifolia were prepared manually. Images prepared with Sartur R [47,48] were recorded with a Zeiss 51425 camera attached to a light microscope (Zeiss 415500-1800-000). In the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations, leaf, stem, pedicel and fruit parts were attached to aluminium stubs and covered with gold for 4 min in a sputter-coater. Morphological observations were done in a Jeol JSM 6490LV scanning electron microscope at the Turkish Petroleum International Company (TPAO) Research Centre SEM laboratory, Ankara.

Molecular Docking Studies
Umbelliferone was found to be an active compound against AChE and pimpinellin was found to be active against BuChE was found. These active compounds were docked at the binding sites of 1-EVE and 1-P0I.

Protein Preparation
The three-dimensional complex structures of AChE (PDB ID: 1EVE) and BuChE (PDB ID: 1P0I) were obtained from the Protein Data Bank [49,50]. The protein structures were prepared using the Protein Preparation Wizard panel tool of the Scrödinger software suite (Maestro 11.8). Firstly water molecules (>5Å radius) and other small molecules were removed from the crystal structures, hydrogen atoms were added and physiological pH was set at 7. Finally, the restrained minimization was performed with the added hydrogen atoms to OPLS3e.

Ligand Preparation
The ligands were prepared for docking with using the Ligand Preparation Panel in the programme. The grid files were created using the Receptor Grids Generation Panel. Finally the Glide Ligand Docking Panel was used for docking studies.

Statistical Analysis
All findings are stated as mean ± SE and variations between means were statistically analyzed through One-way analysis of ANOVA followed via Bonferroni's complementary analysis, with p < 0.05 considered to demonstrate statistical significancy.

Conclusions
The CH 2 Cl 2 fraction of fruit from Zosima absinthifolia and umbelliferone had a remarkable antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities. The tested extracts and essential oils displayed high radical scavenging capacity (RSC), which was found to be in correlation to their content of phenolic compounds. Octyl acetate was the dominant component in the essential oils. Original information has been presented regarding the total phenolics content and high presence of chlorogenic acid and flavonoid rutin in the extracts and essential oils of plant Z. absinthifolia. Novel data of a comparative study on the essential oil constituents of aerial parts, roots, flowers and fruits of Z. absinthfolia has shown different phenolic compositions which can depend from the function of secretory canals of the various plant parts. Due to the remarkable presence of compounds with high anticholinesterase activities in the plant we presume that Z. absinthifolia could be utilised as an herbal alternative to synthetic drugs in the prophylaxis of AD.