The Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Echinacea angustifolia Hot Water Extract

Abstract

Purpose: This study attempted to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of <i>Echinacea angustifolia</i> extract.Methods: For analysis of radical scavenging activities, DPPH, ABTS and FRAP were performed. To analyze antioxidant properties, in addition, polyphenol and flavonoid concentrations were measured. In cell-based assays, cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory assays were performed, using RAW 264.7.Results: The results found the followings: DPPH and ABTS assays revealed 27.98% and 20.29% respectively in terms of antioxidant activities when compared to ascorbic acid. In the FRAP assay, <i>E. angustifolia</i> extract (1 mg) showed 0.412±0.013 μg of reducing power (ascorbic acid). Polyphenol and flavonoid concentrations were 104.42±3.21 mg/g and 62.86±2.26 mg/g each. In terms of cytotoxicity, more than 80% cells survived after the assays, confirming the low toxicity of <i>E. angustifolia</i> extract. In anti-inflammatory activities, the extract reduced the inflammatory response and, at the same time, showed 51.07±4.58% inflammation-inhibiting effects at 200 μg/mL, confirming the potential of E. angustifolia extract as an ingredient of cosmeceuticals.Conclusion: These results confirmed the potential of <i>E. angustifolia</i> extract as an ingredient of cosmeceuticals.