Planta Med 2012; 78 - PF39
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1320586

Effect of aqueous extract from Ligustrum vulgare L. on ROS production and other functions of human neutrophils

ME Czerwińska 1, S Granica 1, AK Kiss 1
  • 1Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02–097, Warsaw, Poland

Ligustrum vulgare L. (common privet, Oleaceae) leaves have been used for disease prevention or treatment of oropharyngeal inflammations or as anti-rheumatic, diuretic and hypotensive agent in folk medicine in southern Europe [1]. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of aqueous extract from Ligustrum vulgare leaves on the functions of human neutrophils.

The main compounds detected (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) in aqueous extract from Ligustrum vulgare were flavonoids, phenylpropanoids and iridoids. The inhibition of neutrophil oxidative burst by the extract was comparable in both stimuli models (f-MLP: IC50=18±4µg/ml; PMA: IC50=19.8±3µg/ml). The extract acted as scavenger of superoxide anion (SC50=16±1µg/ml) and hydrogen peroxide (SC50=19.5±1.5µg/ml), but it did not scavenge hypochlorous acid in cell free systems. The extract at concentration range of 5–50µg/ml inhibited neutrophil elastase release by 24–34% and myeloperoxidase release by 24–37.5%. The effect on MMP-9 and IL-8 production was around 20%.

Our results partially support the traditional use of common privet leaves as anti-inflammatory agent.

References: 1. Pieroni, A. et al. (2000) Fitoterapia 71: S89-S94.