Phenolic production and antiradicalar activities of in vivo plants and in vitro cultures of several hyptis species collected in Cerrado Area (Goiás, Brazil)

Abstract

Introduction Hyptis is a Lamiaceae genus, consisting of various medicinal and aromatic species widely distributed in South America, particularly in Brazil. Among these species, H. suaveolens (SH), H. marrubioides (HM) and H. pectinata (HP) are widely used in folk medicine in the region of Goiás (Midwest, Brazil). They are used as infusions or ethanol/aqueous extracts for treating diseases such as nasopharyngitis, sinus congestion, skin disorders, headache, stomach problems, fever, dental pain, bacterial and fungal infections, cancer, etc. This practice becomes a major concern in the scientific community because little is known about the reliability and safety of use of these plants. In order to better understand and validate some of the traditional uses of these plants biomass of these plants were studied concerning phenolic composition and antiradicalar activities.

Method HS, HM and HP plants were collected in vivo in the region of Rio Verde (Gioás Brasil). Additionaly, in vitro cultures of these species were established. Different hormone combinations of auxin 2,4-D/NAA and cytokinin BAP/Kin were used for in vitro cultures. The best combinations were selected for calli and/or shoot cultures production. Both biomass of in vivo plants and in vitro cultures were taken and lyophilized. The dried biomass was ground and aliquots were taken for preparation of ethanolic extracts (80%). These extracts were filtered and subsequently analyzed for phenolic content (HPLC analysis) and antiradical activity (DPPH method).

Results / Discussion / Conclusion The in vivo plants produced mainly quercetin (Q) and luteolin (L) derivatives, and rosmarinic acid (RA) derivatives. The phenolic profiles of in vitro cultures were similar to the in vivo counterparts, but with differences in composition; in vitro cultures produced more compounds of RA type. The extracts of the three species shown good antiradicalar potential, with the best EC50 obtained for HP (57 µg / ml). In vitro extracts of cultures showed similar anti-radical properties; no significant differences were observed for EC50s of in vivo and in vitro biomass. Phenolic compounds may be responsible for the antiradicalar activities of these species and therefore their positive effect against several pathological processes.