Mapping the chemodiversity of Salsola imbricata Forssk. Seeds and investigation of its functional food potential by biological activities and In silico studies.

Plants are a vital part of the environment, continuously investigated for their nutritional and medicinal benefits to enhance human health. Salsola imbricata Forssk., a perennial halophytic shrub, is distributed across warm desert regions. The current study explores the nutritional and medicinal value of methanol extract from the seeds of S. imbricata (MSIFS) for its possible exploitation in the functional food industry. Phytochemical analysis revealed polyphenolic content (TPC; 301.67 ± 0.89 mg GAE/g D.E, TFC; 171.42 ± 1.42 mg QE/g D.E, and TTC; 169.09 ± 1.59 mg TAE/g D.E). Potent antioxidant activity was demonstrated by DPPH (309.22 ± 1.27 mg AAE/g D.E and IC50; 6.16 ± 1.31 µg/mL), followed by TAC, ABTS, NO-scavenging, and FRAP assays. GC-MS analysis identified various bioactive compounds, including fatty acids and terpenoids. MSIFS exhibited moderate hemolytic activity (23.63 ± 1.23%), significant enzyme inhibition (urease; 89.85 ± 1.88%, α-amylase; 78.34 ± 1.12%, and tyrosinase; 39.68 ± 1.42%), and mild to moderate, dose-dependent antibacterial activity. Molecular docking studies of identified compounds further suggested the medicinal potential of MSIFS. In silico ADMET studies predicted the drug-likeness and safety profile of the compounds. These findings highlight the chemodiversity and bioactive properties of the seeds of S. imbricata, suggesting its potential use in nutraceuticals and the food industry. However, isolation of bioactive phytochemicals and in vivo biological activities from various extracts may further establish their nutraceutical potential.