Anti-infammatory and free radical scavenging activity of Juniperus communis L. 1753 var. communis leaves and cones extract

Abstract

All over the world plants from the Juniperus genus have always been regarded as a well-known traditional remedy and spice. These plants are extensively used in the folk medicine for healing various disorders: common cold, urinary and kidney infections, dermatological disorders, bronchitis, pneumonia, dysentery, hemorrhage, rheumatic arthritis, stomachache, diarrhea and for regulation of the menstruation and in relieving menstrual pains [1,2,3]. However, there are only few literature data about their pharmacological activity and chemical composition. In this study antioxidant properties of methanol extracts of leaves and cones of the Juniperus communis L. 1753 var. communis, were determined using assays which measure free radical scavenging ability toward DPPH and superoxide anion radical. Additionally, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, reducing power (FRAP) and total flavonoid and flavonoid content were determined. The extract has been characterized regarding composition by LC-MS/MS where several flavonoids have been investigated, but only luteolin-7-O-glc was determined in leaves (96.19 µg/g of dw) of examined species. The anti-inflammatory activity, considering inhibitory potency toward COX-1 and 12-LOX enzymes, was determined by novel optimized method which is using LC-MS/MS technique for the quantification of products of COX-1 and 12-LOX metabolism [4]. Both extracts showed markedly anti-inflammatory activity, with leaves having somewhat higher potency concerning both assays, reaching IC50 at 1.50mg/mL towards COX-1 and IC50 at 1.81mg/mL towards 12-LOX. According to obtained results examined Juniperus communis L. 1753 var. communis. species could be regarded as a promising source of bioactive natural compounds, which can be used both as food supplement and as remedy.