Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of <i>Rungia congoensis</i>, a traditional vegetable consumed by <i>Yombe</i> people from Kongo Central area (DR. Congo)

Abstract

<i>Rungia congoensis</i>, a traditional vegetable from Kongo Central area (DR. Congo) was studied for establishing microscopic characters and characterised by chromatographic techniques and their <i>in vitro</i> biochemical activities against ROS production were evaluated in cellular models and on an enzyme, myeloperoxidase (MPO), involved in inflammation. Microscopically leaf can be characterised by non-glandular and glandular trichomes, sinuous anticlinal epidermal cells, diacytic stomata and helical vessels. Methanolic extract displayed high cellular antioxidant activity at the concentrations range of 0.1-10 μg mL^-1 and 1-20 μg mL^-1 using lucigenin on neutrophils and DCFH-DA on HL 60, respectively. This extract also showed, more efficient effects on extracellular and intracellular ROS production and MPO activity. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of <i>R. congoensis</i> were significantly higher, positively correlated with their phytochemical constituents such as flavonoids, iridoids and phenolic acids; and could justify their use as traditional vegetable and potent local nutraceutical resource.