Antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory potential of two extracts of Ficus carica leaves dried in the shade and in the oven

Abstract

BACKGROUND:The therapeutic benefits of plants depend on several factors such as the drying method used. So, to deepen and better explore the traditional use of plants, a comparative study between dry methods will be necessary. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this work, which was to study the composition of bioactive compounds and biological activities of Ficus carica leaves dried in oven and traditionally dried in the shade. METHODS:The bioactive compounds (total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins) were measured by colorimetric methods. The antioxidant activity was evaluated on the chemical model based on DPPH• and ABTS•+ technique as well as on cells and enzyme involved in inflammation: neutrophils and myeloperoxidase (MPO), respectively. RESULTS:The extract of the leaves dried in the shade has significantly high amounts of total phenolics, total flavonoids and tannins, respectively. In the same trend, the extract of the leaves dried in the shade showed a significantly higher effect to scavenge DPPH• and ABTS•+ radicals. Furthermore, the extract of the leaves dried in the oven decreased significantly the activity of MPO and the extracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by neutrophils. CONCLUSION:This study showed that shade drying method better preserves the bioactive compounds, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ficus carica leaves.