Protective activity of Hertia cheirifolia extracts against DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation.

CONTEXT: Hertia cheirifolia L. (Asteraceae), a perennial shrub widely distributed in Northern Africa, is traditionally used to treat inflammatory disorders. OBJECTIVE: The protective effect of methanol (Met E) and aqueous (Aq E) extracts of Hertia cheirifolia against DNA, lipid and protein oxidation was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different concentrations (50-1000 µg/mL) of Hertia cheirifolia aerial part extracts were examined against DNA, lipid and protein oxidation induced by H2O2 + UV, FeSO4, and Fe3+/H2O2-ascorbic acid, respectively. The DPPH•, metal ion chelating, reducing power and ß-carotene bleaching tests were conducted. RESULTS: Both extracts were rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins, and were able to scavenge DPPH• with IC50 values of 138 and 197 µg/mL, respectively. At 300 µg/mL, Aq E exerted stronger chelating effect (99%) than Met E (69%). However, Met E reducing power (IC50 = 61 µg/mL) was more than that of Aq E (IC50 = 193 µg/mL). Both extracts protected from ß-carotene bleaching by 74% and 94%, respectively, and inhibited linoleic acid peroxidation. The inhibitory activity of Aq E extract (64%) was twice more than that of Met E (32%). Interestingly, both extracts protected DNA against the cleavage by about 96-98%. At 1 mg/mL, Met E and Aq E restored protein band intensity by 94-99%. CONCLUSIONS: Hertia cheirifolia exhibits potent antioxidant activity and protects biomolecules against oxidative damage; hence, it may serve as potential source of natural antioxidant for pharmaceutical applications and food preservation. This is the first report on the protective activity of this plant against biomolecule oxidation.

Phenolic Content and Biomolecule Oxidation Protective Activity of Globularia alypum Extracts

ABSTRACT The protective activity of methanolic (Met E) and aqueous (Aq E) extracts of Globularia alypum L. (G. alypum) against DNA, lipid and protein oxidative damage was investigated. Moreover, the scavenging, chelating, and reducing power activities of the extracts were also evaluated. Phytochemical analysis was performed to determine phenolic compounds. Results showed that Met E and Aq E were rich in phenolic compounds, and were able to scavenge DPPH˙ with IC50 values of 48.61 µg/mL and 51.97 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, both extracts were able to chelate ferrous ions. At 300 μg/mL, the chelating activity was 97.53% and 91.02%, respectively. The reducing power of these extracts was also remarkable and concentration dependent. At 100 µg/mL, both extracts inhibited lipid peroxidatin by only 42.45% and 4.03%. However, the DNA oxidation damage was inhibited dose-dependently in the presence of G. alypum extracts. At 1 mg/mL, both extracts suppressed DNA cleavage by 83%-84%. The protein oxidation was also inhibited by G. alypum extracts. At 1 mg/mL, Aq E and Met E protected BSA fragmentation by 77%-99%. The overall results suggest that G. alypum extracts exerted antioxidant activity and protect biomolecules against oxidative damage; hence it may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants.

Phytochemical screening and anti-inflammatory properties of Algerian Hertia cheirifolia methanol extract.

CONTEXT: Hertia cheirifolia L. (Asteraceae) is traditionally used in Northern Africa to treat various inflammatory infections. However, few studies on this plant have been reported. OBJECTIVE: The anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extract of H. cheirifolia leaves was investigated using different experimental models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical analysis was performed to determine phenolic compounds. Acute toxicity of the extract (2000 mg/kg) was examined in Swiss albino mice for 14 days, before croton oil-induced ear oedema in mice, carrageenan-induced paw oedema in Swiss albino rats, cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats and carrageenan-induced air pouch in mice were conducted. The IL-1ß and TNF-α release from concanavalin A-stimulated monocytes was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Methanol extract of H. cheirifolia is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. Cinnamic acid and rutin represent the major constituents. Methanol extract up to 2000 mg/kg did not produce any toxic effects. Topical application of 2 mg/ear of the extract produced 78.7% of inhibition on ear swilling. Oral pre-treatment of rats with 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract inhibited paw oedema by 70% and 89%, respectively. At 200 mg/kg, granuloma dry and wet weights were reduced by 41.85% and 61.72%, respectively. Moreover, the treatment with methanol extract at 1 mg/kg exerted 62.7% of inhibition on leucocytes migrated into the ear pouch. TNF-α and IL-1ß release was reduced by 69% and 78%, respectively, with 1 µg/mL of the extract. CONCLUSION: Methanol extract of H. cheirifolia possesses a strong anti-inflammatory activity and may be considered an interesting source of effective anti-inflammatory compounds.