Exploratory Studies on the in Vitro Anti-inflammatory Potential of Two Herbal Teas (Annona muricata L. and Jasminum grandiflorum L.), and Relation with Their Phenolic Composition

The need of new anti-inflammatory drugs has led to the search for safer and more potent molecules in distinct sources, such as natural products. This work aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous extracts from two herbal teas (Annona muricata L. and Jasminum grandiflorum L.) in RAW 264.7 macrophages cells and in cell-free assays. Furthermore, the phenolic composition of both extracts and of their hydrolysates was characterized by HPLC-DAD, in order to establish possible relationships with the biological activity. In a general way, A. muricata displayed a stronger capacity to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production and the activity of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), displaying an IC50 value of 142 mu g/ml against this enzyme. A deeper look at phenolic compounds revealed that aglycones had more capacity to inhibit NO and PLA(2) than their corresponding glycosides, quercetin being clearly the most potent one (IC50 = 7.47 and 1.36 mu M, respectively). In addition, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, at 1.56 mu M, could also inhibit PLA(2) (ca. 35%). Our findings suggest that the consumption of both herbal teas may be a preventive approach to inflammatory disorders.