Phytochemical characterisation and in vitro anti-inflammatory evaluation in immune cell models of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. bark extracts

Inflammation is the body's natural defence mechanism to remove harmful stimuli and initiate a return to a state of homeostasis. Among leukocytes, neutrophils are the first line of cellular defence, giving a signal to monocytes/macrophages for further pro-inflammatory actions leading to the neutralisation of the threat. It seems crucial to search for compounds of natural origin that act comprehensively on different immune system elements to avoid the development of chronic inflammation. Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. cortex is a valued component of Traditional Chinese Medicine as a rich source of lignans, iridoids, flavonoids, steroids and terpenes. The wide range of secondary metabolites makes E. ulmoides a potential agent with anti- inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.

The aim of the study was a detailed phytochemical analysis (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) of the 60% ethanol extract and its subfractions of E. ulmoides cortex along with the determination of their effect on anti-inflammatory activity in Lipopolysaccharide – stimulated neutrophils and THP-1- derived macrophages.

The ethanol extract of the Eucommiae cortex shows a significant inhibitory effect on the secretion of pro- inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8) in both research models. The phytochemical analysis of this raw material indicates a significant role of compounds from the group of lignans (liriodendrine, (+)- pinoresinol, di-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, (+)-syringaresinol) and iridoids (aucubin, geniposidic acid) potentially responsible for the pharmacological activity of E. ulmoides extracts.

The properties identified here may provide new insights to further define more precise mechanisms and applications for the Eucommiae cortex in therapy.

 

MissingLinkText

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
16. November 2023