Cellular Antioxidant and Peroxidase Inhibition Activities of Decoctions from Different Parts of Triclisia gilletii (De Wild) Staner (Menispermaceae)

Introduction: Nutrition is an important aspect of public health and the high intake of vegetables and fruits would greatly reduce the risk of diseases associated with oxidative damage. Triclisia gilletii, a traditional vegetable from Kongo Central area (DR. Congo), was studied for establishing the cellular antioxidant activity, the inhibition of a proinflammatory enzyme (MPO) activity of its different parts and their microscopic and Chromatographic features. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant activities and the inhibition effect on MPO activity of decoctions from leaves, root bark and stern bark of Triclisia gilletii were evaluated using in vitro cell-free, cell-based and enzymatic assays. In addition, to better characterize the plant, the microscopic features and chromatographic profiles of different parts of T. gilletii were determined. Results: Microscopically, leaf can be characterized by anomocytic stomata, spiral vessels, pluricellular non-glandular trichomes, root bark by pitted vessels, abundant starch grains, isodiametric sclereids, cristalline fibers, and stem bark by tracheids with bordered pits, sclereids, ovoids starches grains and pitted vessels. Aqueous extracts of all parts showed the best cellular antioxidant activities on ROS-induced chemiluminescence using L012 on HL 60 monocytes at the concentrations range of 0.1–2 μg/mL with the root bark being the most active plant part. Extracts showed more efficient MPO inhibitory activity measured by the SIEFED technique, with the stem bark being the most active. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were significantly higher and positively correlated with phytochemicals. Conclusion: The obtained bioactivities may justify the use of this plant as a traditional vegetable, potent nutraceutical and medicine.