Comparative Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Different Extracts of Traditionally Used Romanian L. and L. (Lamiaceae)

Several species are used in Romanian folk medicine for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, to treat pain, fever or arthritis. Still, the active compounds responsible for these effects and their mechanism of action are scarcely known. This research was designed to investigate the phytochemical profile (e.g. iridoids, polyphenolic compounds, phytosterols), as well as the biological potential (antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties) of two selected species collected from different regions of Romanian spontaneous flora. The main compounds identified in aerial parts extracts were 8--acetylharpagide, isoquercitrin and β-sitosterol, whilst in were 8--acetylharpagide, luteolin and campesterol. The extracts were screened for their antioxidant potential using different methods (DPPH, TEAC, EPR) and the results showed a good activity, in accordance with the polyphenol content (18-26 mg GAE/g dw). The antifungal activity on the tested strains was good. The determination of few parameters linked with the inflammatory mechanism allowed the assessment of in vivo anti-inflammatory potential. and ethanol extracts had anti-inflammatory activity through lowering the oxidative stress, phagocytosis, PMN and total leukocytes. The best anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity was observed for the 100 mg dw/mL extract when compared with diclofenac, thus the dose could be correlated with the pharmacological effect. These findings provide substantial evidence that both selected species have the potential to be valued as sources of phytochemicals in effective anti-inflammatory herbal preparations.