Effect of Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav. on Inflammation, Senescence and Cell Migration

Abstract

Aromatic plants are reported to display pharmacological properties, including anti-aging. This work aims to disclose the anti-aging effect of the essential oil (EO) of Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav., an aromatic and medicinal plant widely used as a spice, as well as of the hydrodistillation residual water (HRW), a discarded by-product of EO hydrodistillation. The phytochemical characterization of EO and HRW was assessed by GC-MS and HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSn, respectively. The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays were used to disclose the antioxidant properties. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages by assessing NO production, iNOS, and pro-IL-1β protein levels. Cell migration was evaluated using the scratch wound assay, and the etoposide-induced senescence was used to assess the modulation of senescence. The EO is mainly characterized by carvacrol, while the HRW is predominantly characterized by rosmarinic acid. The HRW exerts a stronger antioxidant effect in the DPPH and FRAP assays, whereas the EO was the most active sample in the ABTS assay. Both extracts reduce NO, iNOS, and pro-IL-1β. The EO has no effect on cell migration and presents anti-senescence effects. In opposition, HRW reduces cell migration and induces cellular senescence. Overall, our study highlights interesting pharmacological properties for both extracts, EO being of interest as an anti-aging ingredient and HRW relevant in cancer therapy.

Effect of Ferulago lutea (Poir.) Grande Essential Oil on Molecular Hallmarks of Skin Aging

“…The protein levels of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-1β pro form (pro-IL-1β), with tubulin used as loading control, were assessed using Western blot, as previously described [61].…”

“…The effect of the extract on cell migration was investigated through the scratch wound assay according to Martinotti et al [62] with slight modifications. Briefly, after the scratch induction, NIH/3T3 fibroblasts were incubated in DMEM with 2% FBS alone with the addition of the essential oil (0.08-0.32 µL/mL) for 18 h. After image acquisition, the open area was quantified as reported by our team [61].…”

Exploring the Traditional Uses of Thymbra capitata Infusion in Algarve (Portugal): Anti-Inflammatory, Wound Healing, and Anti-Aging

“…This assumption is validated by the decrease in yH2AX, as it has been reported that phosphorylation of H2AX (yH2AX) is required for increasing p21 levels and therefore cells enter cell cycle arrest [ 91 ]. Previous studies from our group demonstrated anti-senescent properties for the essential oil and hydrodistillation residual water of T. capitata [ 24 ]; however, studies addressing the mechanisms of action underlying these effects are lacking. Certain studies have reported anti-aging/senescent effects for some of the major compounds found in the extract.…”

“…The protein levels of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-1β pro-form (pro-IL-1β) were assessed by Western blot, as previously described [ 24 ]. For protein separation, an electrophoretic assay was performed with 10% ( v / v ) SDS-polyacrylamide gels at 130 V during 1.5 h, at room temperature.…”

“…However, studies validating these therapeutic effects are scarce and the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been properly investigated. Indeed, only a few studies have addressed the anti-inflammatory potential of certain extracts of this species, particularly essential oils, decoctions, and methanolic extracts [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Considering that most of the traditional claims for T. capitata recommend the consumption of infusions, this study aims to validate the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of this type of extract.…”