Antioxidant potential, cytokines regulation, and inflammation-related genes expression of phenolic extracts from Mexican oregano

J Food Biochem. 2022 Dec;46(12):e14440. doi: 10.1111/jfbc.14440. Epub 2022 Sep 28.

Abstract

The Mexican population traditionally uses oregano infusions to treat oxidative and inflammation-related disorders. Therefore, this study was focused on the examination of the antioxidant capacity and potential against inflammation from three Mexican oregano species (Lippia graveolens [LG], Lippia palmeri [LP], and Hedeoma patens [HP]). The extracts from LG showed a superior total phenolic content. LG, LP, and HP exhibited a higher capacity to inhibit the radical DPPH (up to 90.33 ± 0.25%) and significantly lowered the release of MCP-1 and IL-6. At the same time, LG and HP increased the secretion of IL-10. Extracts from LG, LP, and HP did not significantly diminish the expression of il-1β or inos, although a slight decrease in inos expression was observed. Our findings support that phenolic extracts from L. graveolens, L. palmeri, and H. patens possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and might be potential therapeutic candidates against oxidative and inflammation-related diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Oregano species have traditionally been exploited as remedies against inflammatory-related diseases, namely headaches, asthma, bowel disorders, and rheumatism. This study explored the antioxidant potential of three Mexican oregano species (Lippia graveolens, Lippia palmeri, and Hedeoma patens) and their anti-inflammatory effects in a murine cell model. Phenolic extracts from oregano showed antioxidant capacity and exerted activity against inflammation by improving anti-inflammatory cytokines secretion or negatively regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results of our study demonstrate that the phenolic extracts from these Mexican oregano species have the potential in treating inflammation-related diseases.

Keywords: H. patens; L. graveolens; L. palmeri; Inflammation; antioxidants; phenolic compounds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants* / metabolism
  • Antioxidants* / pharmacology
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / genetics
  • Mice
  • Origanum*
  • Phenols / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Cytokines
  • Phenols
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents