Phytother Res. 2018 Sep;32(9):1750-1754. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6104.

Flavonoids from Boldoa purpurascens inhibit proinflammatory cytokines

(TNF-α and IL-6) and the expression of COX-2

D.M. González Mosquera, Y. Hernández Ortega, P.L. Fernández, Y. González, D. Doens, Y. Vander Heyden, K. Foubert, L. Pieters.

Abstract:

The flavonoids comprise a large class of plant metabolites distributed in food plants. These compounds have antioxidant, antitumor, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The molecular mechanisms of their biological activities remain to be clearly understood. We investigated the in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of a flavonoid mixture and isolated compounds from the leaves of Boldoa purpurascens. Our results provide direct evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of the mixture, which are mediated by the inhibition of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 as well as the modulation of the expression of cyclooxygenase 2.