This studies results showed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of Maravilla de Verano polyphenolic extracts. - GreenMedInfo Summary

BACKGROUND: Besides their nutritional value, vegetables are a source of healthy-promoting compounds, such as polyphenols, and their content can be influenced by the particular farming method. In this study polyphenolic extracts from Lactuca sativa (var. Maravilla de verano) plants cultivated with different farming methods were chemically characterized and tested in vitro and ex vivo inflammation models.

RESULTS: The tested extacts (250-2.5µg/mL) were able to reduce both the inflammatory and oxidative stress in LPS-stimulated J774A.1 murine monocyte macrophage cells, by lowering the release of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoting nuclear traslocation of Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2; (Nrf2)and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In this regard, quantitative profiles revealed different amounts of polyphenols, in particular quercetin levels were higher in plants under mineral fertilized treatment. Those extract showed an enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSION: Our data showed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of Maravilla de Verano polyphenolic extracts. The effect of farming methods on polyphenolic levels was highlighted. The higher reduction of inflammatory mediators release in extracts from plants cultivated under mineral fertilization treatment was correlated to the higher amount of quercetin. These results can be useful for both nutraceutical or agronomic purposes.