Title : Pistacia lentiscus: A plant with multiple virtues for use in human medicine as palliative in the treatment of inflammatory-related disorders
Abstract:
New research trend is focusing on medicinal plants due to their wealth in various substances which can be potentially used in medicine, food and cosmetics. Pistacia lentiscus, a plant growing in the Mediterranean basin, is widely used in traditional medicine by rural populations for the treatment of various inflammatory-related disorders. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-hyperuricemic and neuroprotective potential, as well as identification of active compounds, using appropriate methodology. Pistacia lentiscus extracts and fractions exhibited an outstanding scavenging capacity against a number of deleterious radicals while significantly enhancing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, as well as reducing malonaldehyde levels, thus counterbalancing the oxidant status. Administration of P. lentiscus extracts significantly decreased ATP- and H2O2-induced mice paw oedema, reduced interleukin levels in cell culture and inhibited the uric acid-producing enzyme, xanthine oxidase, thereby enhancing the gouty situation of mice, mainly through a substantial reduction of uric acid levels. Additionally, P. lentiscus extracts showed a promising anticancer activity on human cancer cell lines, such as ovarian and liver carcinoma cells. On the other side, P. lentiscus extracts showed good neuro-protection and restored cognitive functions in mice, partially through inhibition of acetylcholine esterase and amyloid plaque formation and reversion of the harmful effects caused by Aluminum. Several experiments, in vitro and in vivo, including Ames’ test and chromosomal aberration test indicated that P. lentiscus extracts are free of any genotoxicity, even showing antimutagenic action. Phytochemical investigations using preparative HPLC, HPLC-MS and NMR allowed the identification and structural elucidation of several known phenolic compounds and new anthocyanins, known to be responsible for the described biological activities, thus shedding more light on the phytochemical constituents of this plant and their action against disease. In light of the obtained results in terms of phytochemistry and biological activities, we may conclude that Pistacia lentiscus can be considered as a serious and safe alternative in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and deterioration of cognitive functions.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- In this presentation, the audience will discover the ancestral uses of one of the most used plants in traditional medicine in the Mediterranean basin.
- In parallel, state-of-the art experiments will be presented in detail and the results carefully explained to put a link between traditional uses and scientific validation.
- Overall, this presentation will bring the latest information on the chemistry and biological activities of Pistacia lentiscus for a possible use in human palliative medicine.
