Phytochemical study and evaluation of the anti-free radical, anti-inflammatory, anti-sickling and cytotoxic activity of Lippia multiflora Moldenke (Verbenaceae) leaves

Abstract

Lippia multiflora is an aromatic plant used in traditional medicine to treat a number of diseases including sickle cell disease. The aim of the present study is to evaluate its efficacy and safety in vitro. Micrographic analysis of L. multiflora powder by Steimetz reagent allowed the identification of epidermal cells, stomata, spiral vessel fragments and unicellular non-glandular trichomes. Phytochemically, this plant contains phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, leuco-anthocyanins, bound quinones, coumarins, anthraquinones, iridoids, saponins, steroids and tri-terpenes. The content of total polyphenols was 336.2 mg EAG/g extract and while that of total flavonoids, anthocyanins, condensed and hydrolyzable tannins were 6.61 mg EQ/g; 0.111 %; 0.425 %; 0.093 %, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the percolate (DPPH radical: IC50=73.6 µg/mL; ABTS radical: %I > 50 to 20 µg/mL) is higher than that of the decoctate (DPPH radical: %I < 50 to 100 µg/mL; ABTS radical: IC50=78.9 µg/mL) and that in addition L. multiflora leaves are not cytotoxic (%Hemolysis <50 to 1000 µg/mL). These leaves also have anti-inflammatory properties (decoctate: 36.3 % versus percolate: 62.0 %). Both types of extracts are endowed with anti-sickle cell properties in vitro. As this bioactive plant is probably non-cytotoxic, it can be developed and proposed as a functional food candidate for the symptomatic treatment of sickle cell crises.

Keywords: Lippia multiflora, micrography, functional food, phenolic acids, polyphenols, in vitro, anti-inflammatory, anti-sickle cell disease