Phytochemical profiling and therapeutic potential of lemon-scented tea tree (Leptospermum petersonii)

Phuong Lan Hoang; Trong Duc Tran; Jayne Gilbert; Jennette Sakoff; Christopher J. Scarlett; Quan Van Vuong

doi:10.1016/j.bcab.2026.104069

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Phytochemical profiling and therapeutic potential of lemon-scented tea tree (Leptospermum petersonii)

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Phytochemical profiling and therapeutic potential of lemon-scented tea tree (Leptospermum petersonii)

Phuong Lan Hoang, Trong Duc Tran, Jayne Gilbert, Jennette Sakoff, Christopher J. Scarlett and Quan Van Vuong

Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, Vol.74, pp.1-13

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2026.104069

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Abstract

anti-Alzheimer's disease

Anti-diabetic

Anti-Pancreatic cancer

LC-QTOF MS

Phenolic compound profile

Lemon-scented tea tree (Leptospermum petersonii, Myrtaceae family) has been traditionally used as both bush food and medicine by Australian Aboriginal people. However, its key individual phytochemicals and therapeutic potential are not well characterised. The study investigated major phytochemicals and evaluated the anti-diabetic, anti-Alzheimer's, and anti-pancreatic cancer potential of L. petersonii extract and its fractions. The fraction was carried out based on the retention time by using HPLC. Major phytochemicals were identified using LC-QTOF-MS and HPLC. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu, DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. In vitro assays, including α-glucosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and MTT cytotoxicity tests, were used to assess anti-diabetic, anti-Alzheimer's, and anti-pancreatic cancer potential, respectively. As a result, six phenolic acids, ten flavonoids, two phenols, and four triterpenoids were identified. The crude extract showed high phenolic content (96 mg GAE/g DW), abundant terpenoids (302 mg EE/g DW), and strong antioxidant activity. Fractionation of the crude extract produced four fractions with significantly enhanced bioactive properties. Fraction 1 (F1) exhibited the highest phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, and over 3-fold stronger α-glucosidase inhibition compared to the crude extract. Fraction 3 (F3) showed 10-fold greater acetylcholinesterase inhibition, while Fraction 4 (F4) demonstrated a 20-fold stronger inhibitory effect on pancreatic cancer cell growth, including AsPC-1, BxPC-3, Capan-2, HPAC, MiaPaCa2, PANC-1 (p < 0.05). These findings highlight L. petersonii as a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications.

Details

Title: Phytochemical profiling and therapeutic potential of lemon-scented tea tree (Leptospermum petersonii)
Authors: Phuong Lan Hoang (Author) - University of Newcastle Australia
Trong Duc Tran (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Jayne Gilbert (Author) - Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital
Jennette Sakoff (Author) - Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital
Christopher J. Scarlett (Author) - University of Newcastle Australia
Quan Van Vuong (Corresponding Author) - University of Newcastle Australia
Publication details: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, Vol.74, pp.1-13
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2026.104069
ISSN: 1878-8181
Data Availability: Data will be made available on request.
Grant note: This study was financially supported by the Vietnamese Government through the Vietnam International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Education and Training (Project 89), and the University of Newcastle.
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991228951102621
Output Type: Journal article

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