Phenolic Compounds Isolated from Calea uniflora Less. Promote Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects in Mice Neutrophils (Ex Vivo) and in Mice Pleurisy Model (In Vivo).

The literature shows that phenolic compounds possess important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; however, the mechanism underlying these effects is not elucidated yet. The genus Calea is used in folk medicine to treat rheumatism, respiratory diseases, and digestive problems. In this context, some phenolic compounds were isolated with high purity from Calea uniflora Less. and identified as noreugenin (NRG) and α-hydroxy-butein (AH-BU). The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of these compounds on cell viability, the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), and apoptosis of mouse neutrophils using ex vivo tests. Furthermore, the effect of these compounds on the cytokines, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), interleukin 17A (IL-17A), and interleukin 10 (IL-10), and oxidative stress was investigated by analyzing lipid peroxidation (the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) and activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST), using a murine model of neutrophilic inflammation. The NRG and AH-BU reduce MPO activity and increase neutrophil apoptosis (p < 0.05). These compounds reduced the generation of oxygen reactive species and IL-1ß and IL-17A levels but increased IL-10 levels (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that NRG and AH-BU show a significant anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the MPO activity and increasing neutrophil apoptosis in primary cultures of mouse neutrophils. These effects were at least partially associated with blocking reactive species generation, inhibiting IL-1ß and IL-17A, and increasing IL-10 levels.

Molecular mechanism of action of Pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside, the main anthocyanin responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of strawberry fruits.

Fragaria x ananassa Duch., popularly called strawberry, is known for its worldwide consumption and important biological activities, and these effects are related to its high concentration of anthocyanins. Pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside (P3G) is a major anthocyanin found in strawberry, and was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory action in experimental models. The effect of strawberry extract and P3G, on leukocyte migration, exudation levels and many inflammatory mediators, was therefore evaluated in an in vivo model. An in vitro study was also carried out to characterize the effect of P3G on mitogen-activated protein kinases, and on nuclear transcript factors NF-κB and AP-1. The results revealed that the strawberry and P3G have important anti-inflammatory proprieties, and the anti-inflammatory mechanism of P3G involves the arrest of IkB-α activation and reduction in JNKMAPK phosphorylation. The results reinforce that strawberry fruits are functional foods that can act as an adjuvant in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.