Extraction strategy influences the phytochemical composition and multifunctional biological activities of Genista albida: implications for functional food development.

Genista albida Willd., an endemic species of Türkiye, represents a largely unexplored source of bioactive phytochemicals with potential applications in functional foods. This study investigated how extraction strategy influences the phytochemical composition and biological activities of G. albida by comparing ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), maceration (MAC), and Soxhlet extraction (SOE). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined spectrophotometrically, while phenolic constituents were characterized by LC-MS/MS. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using six complementary assays, and enzyme inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase were assessed. Twenty-one of the 31 targeted phenolic compounds were identified, with hesperidin as the predominant constituent (4378-4584 µg per g extract), followed by hyperoside, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, ferulic acid, eriodictyol, apigenin, and luteolin. UAE yielded the highest total phenolic content (43.28 mg GAE per g extract) and the strongest overall antioxidant performance, whereas MAC exhibited the highest flavonoid content (50.59 mg RE per g extract) and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Notably, all extracts demonstrated stronger α-glucosidase inhibition than acarbose (IC50 = 0.63-0.66 vs. 0.96 mg mL-1), highlighting their potential to modulate postprandial hyperglycemia. Overall, extraction strategy markedly affected phytochemical recovery and bioactivity, with UAE providing the most favorable balance between chemical richness and biological performance. These findings position G. albida as a promising natural source of bioactive ingredients for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals.