Characterization of antioxidant, α-glucosidase and tyrosinase inhibitors from the rhizomes of Potentilla anserina L. and their structure–activity relationship

•Bioactive phytochemicals of the rhizomes of Potentilla anserina L. were conducted.•Five new flavonoids were isolated from the rhizomes of Potentilla anserina L..•Compounds 4 and 14 had good antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects.•Compounds 4 and 14 were potent competitive anti-browning inhibitors.•Hydrogen binding and π-alkyl binding in the two compounds were responsible for the anti-tyrosinase action.