Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Prunella Vulgaris Tea

Abstract

Prunella vulgaris is a traditional herb commonly consumed as brewed tea in Asian and European countries. The therapeutic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of this traditional herbal tea are relatively unknown. The study examined, using established in vivo markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of Prunella vulgaris tea in-vitro, which were compared with those measured from green and black tea. Prunella vulgaris tea significantly decreased the human neutrophilic formations of F2-isoprostanes, lipid hydroperoxides, and leukotriene B4, while increasing those of nitrite and nitrate. The measured antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were greater than those from green and black tea. Prunella vulgaris tea exerted antioxidant effects via electron-transfer radical scavenging and up-regulated antioxidant enzyme activities, and anti-inflammatory effects by modulating 5-lipoxygenase, myeloperoxidase, and inducible nitric oxide pathways. The study results provide evidence supporting further investigations in the in vivo conditions.

Prunella vulgaris L.: An Updated Overview of Botany, Chemical Composition, Extraction Methods, and Biological Activities

“…Various extraction methods have been used for PV extraction. Aqueous [ 19 , 20 , 21 ], methanol [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ], ethanol [ 26 , 27 , 28 ], hexane, and ethyl acetate [ 29 ] PV extracts are obtained by traditional methods such as heating, boiling, or refluxing ( Table 1 ). However, the disadvantage of these methods is the loss of flavonoids due to hydrolysis, oxidation, and ionization during extraction, as well as a long extraction time.…”

“…The anti-inflammatory effect of PV seed extract was also characterized by its ability to modulate the myeloperoxidase enzyme activity [ 22 ]. The results of the study showed that treatment with PV tea (water extract of leaves) significantly increased inducible nitric oxide synthase and demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects through the 5-lipoxygenase, myeloperoxidase, and nitric oxide synthase pathways [ 23 ].…”