The in vitro antioxidant properties ofMuscari comosumbulbs and their inhibitory activity on enzymes involved in inflammation, post-prandial hyperglycemia, and cognitive/neuromuscular functions

Abstract

Extracts of Muscari comosum bulbs, a traditional Mediterranean food, were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography for polyphenol content and tested for their activity on free-radicals and enzymes that might be involved in human health. The extracts revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidant activity was determined by evaluating the radical scavenging activity toward 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydraziyl (DPPH˙), nitric oxide (˙NO), and superoxide (O2˙−), whereas the anti-inflammatory activity was determined by zymography by evaluating the in-gel inhibition of MMP-9 and MMP-2, two pro-inflammatory gelatinases. Anti-glycemic activity was determined by measuring the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, two enzymes involved in post-prandial hyperglycemia. Finally, M. comosum extracts were found to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholine esterase. The resulting increase of acetylcholine availability might improve cognitive functions and neuromuscular transmission. Our laboratory findings substantiate and extend previous results, but the clinical value of M. comosum properties needs to be further evaluated. Practical applications Muscari comosum bulbs are mostly used in a few Mediterranean countries and in particular in Southern Italy, where they are commonly known as “lampascioni” or “cipollacci.” The most popular recipe in traditional gastronomy. consists in boiling the cleaned bulbs and keep them in olive oil. The present study shows that M. comosum bulbs have a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, and inhibit specific enzymes involved in hyperglycemia or cholinergic neurotransmission. The above properties might be useful in diabetic individuals to reduce post-prandial hyperglycemia and might improve acetylcholine transmission and therefore cognitive and neuromuscular functions.