Antioxidant activity of flavonoid rich fraction of Ligaria cuneifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Tiegh (Loranthaceae)

Ligaria cuneifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Tiegh (Loranthaceae), the "Argentine mistletoe", is a hemiparasite species largely used in folk medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo methods. A screening of phenolics was performed by UV spectroscopy on different fractions. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH●) assay on a crude extract (CE), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), and aqueous fraction (AF). The results suggest that EAF concentrates the antioxidant capacity and was selected for further analysis. Capillary electrophoresis was employed to monitor the individual antioxidant capacity and the potential contributors to this effect. Ex vivo assays showed an efficient inhibition of tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced rat liver phospholipid oxidation, as well as rat brain autoxidation, and H2O2-induced DNA damage in blood monocytes. In vivo, the topical application of EAF significantly decreased skin chemiluminescence in a mice model.

Keywords: Oxidative stress; antioxidant; capillary electrophoresis; flavonoid; quercetin.