Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Algerian Thymelaea microphylla Coss. and Dur. Extracts.
BACKGROUND
Thymelaea microphylla Coss. et Dur. (Thymelaeaceae) (TM) is a rare medicinal plant endemic to Algeria. Leaves decoction is used in folk medicine for anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties.


OBJECTIVE
Herein, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of different extracts from leaves and flowers of Algerian TM were evaluated.


METHODS
The study was carried out by in vitro cell-free assays (antioxidant/radical properties), ex vivo experiments (inhibition of prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane B2 release in human whole blood) and in vitro experiments on cell systems (cytotoxicity on peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and protective effects on human vein endothelial cells exposed to TNF-α).


RESULTS
The acetone TM extract showed significant antioxidant properties and excellent anti-inflammatory and cyclooxygenase-inhibitory activity, together with lack of toxicity on normal human blood cells; furthermore, it was able to protect endothelial cells against dysfunction induced by TNF-α, as shown by decrease in cell death, e-selectin expression and leukocyte adhesion.


CONCLUSIONS
On these bases, TM leaves and flowers appear to be a good source of bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant and antiinflammatory capability, and potentially effective in prevention and treatment of pathological conditions related to oxidative stress and inflammation, such as endothelial dysfunction.


CONCLUSIONS
Thymelaea microphylla leaves and flowers are a good source of bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant/free radical scavenger and antiinflammatory activity.The acetone extract from leaves and flowers of Algerian Thymelaea microphylla possesses excellent cyclooxygenase-inhibitory activity.This extract is able to protect against endothelial dysfunction, an early event in development of atherosclerosis and vascular diseases. Abbreviations used: TM: Thymelaea microphylla; BCB: Beta-carotene bleaching; AcE: Acetone extract; PGE2: Prostaglandin E2; TxB2: Thromboxane B2; FL: Fluorescein; Cat: Catechin; DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; ABTS: 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid)+; Que: Quercetin; ORAC: Oxygen radical absorbance capacity; AAPH: 2,2'-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride; PMS/NADH: Phenazine methosulfate/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; HUVECs: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells.
Department of Biology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Nature Sciences and Life, Laboratory of Phytotherapy Applied to Chronic Diseases, University Setif, 19000 Setif, Algeria.
Khadidja
K
Dehimi
Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
Antonio
A
Speciale
Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
Antonina
A
Saija
Department of Biology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Nature Sciences and Life, Laboratory of Phytotherapy Applied to Chronic Diseases, University Setif, 19000 Setif, Algeria.
Saliha
S
Dahamna
Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
Roberto
R
Raciti
Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
Francesco
F
Cimino
Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
Mariateresa
M
Cristani
Cyclooxygenase-2; Thymelaea microphylla; inflammation; medicinal plant; oxidative stress; radical scavenger activity; tumor necrosis factor-α