Abstract
Ethnopharmacological surveys on Portuguese flora reveal that Genista tridentata L. is a shrub used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various inflammation-related health problems, although scientific support of its benefits is still necessary. In order to establish the anti-inflammatory potential of G. tridentata and support its traditional use, ethanolic extracts of three sections of the plant (root, stem, and leaves) were subjected to in vitro evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulates macrophages as an inflammation model. Simultaneously, we also aimed to establish the extracts’ flavonoids profile. The ethanolic extracts, obtained by Soxhlet extraction, profile of the three sections confirmed their richness in flavonoids, being three prenylated flavonoids isolated and characterized in the root, including a new natural compound, the 3-methoxymundulin. The extracts from the three plant sections showed strong antioxidant activity at the cellular level and significantly inhibit the LPS-triggered NO production by downregulating Nos2 gene transcription and consequently iNOS expression. Additionally, root and stem extracts also decreased the LPS-induced transcription of the pro-inflammatory genes Il1b, Il6, and Ptgs2. Thus, the results support the anti-inflammatory properties attributed to G. tridentate preparations. Relevantly, the roots of the shrub, plant part not used, is an unexplored source of compounds with pharmacological and nutraceutical value.
Highlights
Genista tridentata L. [1]
Some of ofthe the health benefits attributed in popular medicine to G. tridentata infusions or health benefits attributed in popular medicine to G. tridentata infusions or decoctions decoctions to their anti-inflammatory
The present study identified 20 polyphenolic compounds, among which 18 are flavonoids, in the ethanolic extracts of the roots, stems, and leaves of G. tridentata
Summary
Genista tridentata L. [1] Is the most used in the literature and in the commercially available extracts.) is an endemic shrub of the Iberian Peninsula belonging to the Leguminosae family, locally known as carqueja or carqueija [2]. The flowers are usually collected during spring and used to flavor rice or roasted meat or dried for subsequent preparation of decoctions and infusions. These hot water extracts are believed in folk medicine to present hypoglycemic, anti-hypertensive, and depurative effects being used for the treatment of numerous inflammation-related health problems [4,5].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
