Influence of the extraction solvent on antioxidant activity of Althaea officinalis L. root extracts

Abstract

Althaea officinalis (Malvaceae) is a well-known plant that is widely distributed throughout the world. Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts from A. officinalis root are used mainly because of their antitussive and expectorant activity. It is well known that these activities are based on the polysaccharide composition, but little is known about the possible antioxidant activity of root extract. The present study evaluated antioxidant activity of root extracts prepared with different extraction solvents applying ABTS·+ (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), hypochlorous acid scavenging assay and iron-induced lipid peroxidation. The results showed that the extract prepared with water as extraction solvent did not possess antioxidant activity, whereas the extracts obtained using ethanol:water as extraction agent showed well pronounced antioxidant activity. In particular, the extracts obtained at low concentration of ethanol in the mixed solvent (50:50 and 70:30, v/v) showed higher scavenging activity for ABTS·+ radicals and hypochlorite ions than the extract obtained with the higher ethanol concentration (90:10, v/v). These results correlated very well with phenolic and flavonoid content of the extracts. The extracts did not show cytotoxic effect on human BV-173 leukemic cells but may have immunomodulating effects due to their antioxidant properties.

Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidative Effects of Phytohustil® and Root Extract of Althaea officinalis L. on Macrophages in vitro

“…We found an inhibition of H 2 O 2 -mediated decrease of the viability, when M were pre-treated with Phytohustil R . Our findings are congruent with publications of others (Sadighara et al, 2012;Benbassat et al, 2014) showing that Phytohustil R and REAo have antioxidant properties, stimulate anti-oxidative defense mechanisms and, thus, may protect against intracellular ROS increase, i.e., oxidative stress in M . In contrast to non-mucosal tissues, the mucosal tissues have close contact with numerous and diverse commensal microorganisms, as well as pathogens, which can trigger pro-inflammatory responses.…”

“…Marshmallow is well-known for its healing properties since ancient time. It has been reported that a water extract from roots of A. officinalis had stimulating effects on cell viability and proliferation of epithelial cells, but not on primary fibroblasts (Deters et al, 2010;Benbassat et al, 2014). We now found that Phytohustil R increased the viability of M , key components of the innate immune defense system, without revealing cytotoxic effects.…”

Antibacterial effects of different concentrations of Althaea officinalis root extract versus 0.2% chlorhexidine and penicillin on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus (in vitro)

“…[ 12 ] Investigation about cytotoxic activity and safety of extract showed that the liquid extracts had no significant cytotoxicity on human cells. [ 13 ]…”

Marsh Mallow (<b><i>Althaea officinalis</i></b> L.) and Its Potency in the Treatment of Cough

“…In one study, the antioxidant activity of A. officinalis root extracts by water as solvent showed no antioxidant activity, while extracts by ethanol water (50: 50, 70: 30) had a higher antioxidant effect than that of ethanol:water (90: 10). There is a positive correlation between its phenolic and flavonoid contents and the antioxidant activities of A. officinalis [37]. Reduction in free radical oxygen in the respiratory system is associated with inflammation and irritation, which can reduce the reason for cough.…”