Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of the most potent and
abundant metabolite, 3-methoxy quercetin (3-MQ), from extract fractions of mistletoe,
Loranthus micranthus
Linn (Loranthaceae) parasitic on Kola acuminata Schott & Endl, (Malvaceae), also known as
Garcinia kola Heckel, (Clusiaceae).
Methods: Compounds isolated through a combination of chromatographic techniques were screened
for in vitro antioxidant potential using the diphenyl picrazyl hydrazine (DPPH) radical-based model. Cell
viability at 1–1000 μM 3-MQ in 24 h was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (n =
5) five (5) replicates.
Results: Ten (10) known compounds including 3-MQ (1) were isolated and characterized. 3-MQ
exhibited highly significant (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity with 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC
50) of 15.0
μM; concentrations ≤ 100 μM did not exert cytotoxic effect. 3-MQ, at 25 and 125 μM concentrations,
significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the production of TNF-α by 82 and 100 %, respectively, compared to
controls.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate the potent anti-inflammatory activity of 3-MQ and suggests its
use as a potential alternative therapy for inflammation and related diseases.
