Preliminary studies of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in methanol extracts of mistletoe (Dendrophthoe falcata) in guava (Psidium guajava)

Abstract

Mistletoe’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to bioactive compounds, make it a potential natural remedy for oxidative stress and inflammation-related ailments. This study is focused on evaluating the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of mistletoe (Dendrophthoe falcata) grown on guava (Psidium guajava). Cold extraction with methanol was used to maximize the extraction of heat-sensitive bioactive compounds. Samples were collected from three guava trees hosting Dendrophthoe falcata mistletoe, including guava (S1 L, S2 L, S3 L) and mistletoe leaves (S 1 M, S 2 M, S 3 M). The mistletoe’s antioxidant activity was evaluated through total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging activity, and ferric-reducing power analysis. The mistletoe leaf sample (S 3 M) from tree 03 displayed the highest TPC (169.46 ± 2.06 GAE mg/g) and TFC (46.16 ± 1.15 CE mg/g). S 3 M also exhibited the lowest IC 50 value (0.091 ± 0.001 mg/mL) in the DPPH test, indicating strong radical scavenging activity. The FRAP assay yielded a value of 0.523 ± 0.010 mg/g BHT equivalent for S 3 M. Positive correlations were observed between TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities. Additionally, the mistletoe leaf samples (S 3 M) demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in the heat- induced hemolysis assay (IC 50 = 488.302 ± 23.407 μg/mL) and egg albumin denaturation assay (IC 50 = 311.582 ± 12.404 μg/mL), suggesting potential anti-inflammatory properties. The host leaf sample from host tree 03 displayed higher antioxidant activity (TPC: 239.06 ± 2.45 mg/g, TFC: 65.03 ± 1.65 mg/g, IC 50 for DPPH: 0.086 ± 0.004 mg/mL, FRAP: 0.565 ± 0.013 mg/g BHT equivalents) and anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 for heat-induced hemolysis: 466.889 ± 23.417 μg/mL, IC 50 for egg albumin denaturation: 120.758 ± 19.190 μg/mL). Despite sample variations, mistletoe’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated without hindrance. In conclusion, methanol extracts of mistletoe exhibit promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, require further research in this area.