Assessment of total polyphenols, flavonoids and anti-inflammatory potential of three Apiaceae species grown in the Southeast of Morocco

Abstract

Plants have been frequently used for centuries in the Southeast of Morocco to heal various diseases such as inflammatory disorders. In this investigation, total phenols and flavonoids contents were examined in stems and leaves of hydromethanolic extracts of three Apiaceae species, namely Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Celery (Apium graveolens) and Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) along with their anti-inflammatory activity. Phenols amount and flavonoids level were measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent and Aluminium chloride solution, respectively. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated via nitric oxide (NO) scavenging potential, inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane stabilizing effect. Results revealed that parsley, which is the richest in polyphenols (21.63 mg GAE/ g DW) and flavonoids (15.73 mg RE/g DW) contents, exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity based on protein denaturation inhibition assay (IC50 = 118.92 µg/mL), NO free radical scavenging potential (IC50 = 142.45 µg/mL) and membrane stabilizing effect (IC50 = 192.08 µg/mL). The strong correlation found between flavonoids and anti-inflammatory assays (R2 ≥ 0.915) suggests that flavonoids were the key providers of this anti-inflammatory effect. These findings could validate the traditional use of these plants to treat various inflammatory diseases.