Phenolic profile and anti-inflammatory activity of three Veronica species

Abstract

Aerial parts of some Veronica species are used as traditional medicine for treatment of various inflammatory conditions, including rheumatism. In the present study, phenolic content and anti-inflammatory activity of three Veronica species (Plantaginaceae), Veronica jacquinii Baumg., Veronica teucrium L. and Veronica urticifolia Jacq was studied. The identification and quantification of 30 phenolic compounds in aqueous-acetone extracts were performed using LC-MS/MS technique, and the main components were baicalin, hyperoside, isoquercetine, chlorogenic acid and quinic acid. Genistein and baicalein were detected for the first time in Plantaginaceae family and Veronica genus, respectively. The anti-inflammatory potential of tested extracts was determined using calcium ionophore-stimulated human platelets as a source of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) enzymes, and highly sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS technique was performed for detection of the main arachidonic acid metabolites formed by them. V. urticifolia extract exerted the strongest COX-1 inhibition (IC50 lt 0.4 mg/mL), while V. jacquinii extract exhibited the highest ability to inhibit 12-LOX activity (IC50 = 1.072 mg/mL). The results obtained in this study may be used to promote better use of the genus Veronica as anti-inflammatory agents.