Larrea divaricata: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of on macrophages and low density lipoproteins

PERALTA, IGNACIO; MARRASSINI, CARLA; SAINT MARTIN, MALEN; COGOI, LAURA; ALONSO, MARÍA ROSARIO; GUGLIUCCI, ALEJANDRO; ANESINI, CLAUDIA

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

Biomed Central

Año: 2022 vol. 22

Abstract:Background: The oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) contributes to inflammation and oxidative stress through the activation of macrophages under hyperglycemia contributing to the development of diabetes mellitus and to atherosclerosis. Plants are a source of effective and innocuous antioxidants. Larrea divaricata Cav. (Zygophyllaceae) is used in Argentina folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.Methods: The aim of this work was to study the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract (AE) of L. divaricata on macrophages under glucose stimulation and on human LDL and HDL particles under free radical generators.Results: AE reduced the lipid peroxidation (17%), nitric oxide (NO) (47-50%), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (32%) and free radicals (50%) induced by glucose on macrophages. Also prevented HDL nitration (28%), thus preserving itsfunction and structure and inhibited LDL oxidation. The effect on the nitrosative stress was mainly driven by nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA).Conclusions: These results suggest a potential usefulness of AE as an adjuvant phytotherapy in patients with diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis.