Sesquiterpene-rich n -hexane extracts from Aspidosperma subincanum Mart.: anti- Xanthomonas citri activity, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and insights into molecular docking

Although Aspidosperma subincanum Mart. is traditionally used for metabolic and digestive disorders, its volatile nonpolar fraction remains unexplored. This study investigated n-hexane extracts from leaves (HE-GL) and stem bark (HE-GS), targeting antibacterial and enzyme-inhibitory activities based on ethnopharmacological use. GC-MS analysis revealed β-caryophyllene and aromadendrene as major constituents. HE-GL showed strong activity against Xanthomonas citri (MIC/MBC = 50 µg/mL), while HE-GS showed moderate effects (200 µg/mL). Both extracts exhibited acetylcholinesterase inhibition (IC50 ≈ 80 µg/mL) and weak α-amylase and elastase inhibition (IC50 ≥ 500 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity assays in human tumour (HeLa, MCF-7, U-251MG) and non-tumour (GM07492A) cell lines showed no effects up to 250 µg/mL. Molecular docking supported interactions with acetylcholinesterase and bacterial targets. These findings highlight the antibacterial and cholinesterase-modulating potential of A. subincanum volatiles.