Biological activities of sanguisorba minor l. extracts ñ in vitro and in vivo evaluations

Abstract

© 2020 Polish Pharmaceutical Society. All rights reserved. The literature data about Sanguisorba minor L. subsp. muricata Briq. (fam. Rosaceae) are limited. It has been used in folk medicine for its diuretic and digestive properties, or in the treatment of fever and diarrhea. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential of S. minor subsp. muricata root extracts (in vitro and in vivo). Methanol, ethanol and chloroform extracts were characterized by total phenolic and flavonoid content. Antioxidant activity was estimated by five different assays in vitro, and in vivo in the animal model of sepsis. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and one fungus by micro-well dilution assay. Cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition assessment of S. minor ethanol extract was performed in the presence of Indomethacin. Ethanol and methanol extracts did not differ significantly in the content of phenols and flavonoids, as well as in achieved antioxidant activity. Both of these extracts were superior to the chloroform extract. Ethanol and methanol extracts showed similar antimicrobial activity. Chloroform extract exhibited strong activity against all examined strains of bacteria, but moderate against Candida albicans. Ethanol extract induced 76% inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-1 in vitro. The same extract decreased the level of the oxidative stress parameters in an animal model of sepsis. All extracts exhibited considerable antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, while ethanol extract showed anti-inflammatory potential. Based on the effects achieved on oxidative stress parameters in sepsis, S. minor could be considered as a herbal adjuvant antioxidant therapy in systemic infectious treatment.