Characterization of cyanidin-3-glucoside content and evaluation of the antiinflammatory potential of an anthocyanin-rich purple elephant grass (genotype T_44.1) extract

Abstract

Background

Plants are important sources of bioactive compounds due to the production of secondary metabolites with therapeutic properties. Among these compounds, anthocyanins have attracted considerable interest because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Although commonly associated with fruits and vegetables, anthocyanins are also found in other plant matrices, including Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone. Purple genotypes, such as T_44.1 (Embrapa Gado de Leite), are promising sources of anthocyanins due to their high pigment accumulation and agronomic productivity. Moreover, as a forage crop not intended for direct human consumption, this species represents a sustainable source of bioactive compounds without competing with the food supply chain. Given the central role of chronic inflammation in non-communicable diseases, investigating plant-derived compounds capable of modulating inflammatory pathways is of scientific interest.

Plants are important sources of bioactive compounds due to the production of secondary metabolites with therapeutic properties. Among these compounds, anthocyanins have attracted considerable interest because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Although commonly associated with fruits and vegetables, anthocyanins are also found in other plant matrices, including Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone. Purple genotypes, such as T_44.1 (Embrapa Gado de Leite), are promising sources of anthocyanins due to their high pigment accumulation and agronomic productivity. Moreover, as a forage crop not intended for direct human consumption, this species represents a sustainable source of bioactive compounds without competing with the food supply chain. Given the central role of chronic inflammation in non-communicable diseases, investigating plant-derived compounds capable of modulating inflammatory pathways is of scientific interest.

Objective

To identify and quantify cyanidin-3- glucoside in C. purpureus genotype T_44.1 extract and evaluate its safety and anti-inflammatory potential in vitro.

To identify and quantify cyanidin-3- glucoside in C. purpureus genotype T_44.1 extract and evaluate its safety and anti-inflammatory potential in vitro.

Methods

Anthocyanin-rich extracts were obtained from purple elephant grass using an organic solvent system (70:30, pH 2.0). Cyanidin-3-glucoside content was determined by UPLC-MS/MS. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the MTT assay in RAW 264.7 macrophages and WI-38 fibroblasts. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with the extract, and TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were quantified.

Anthocyanin-rich extracts were obtained from purple elephant grass using an organic solvent system (70:30, pH 2.0). Cyanidin-3-glucoside content was determined by UPLC-MS/MS. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the MTT assay in RAW 264.7 macrophages and WI-38 fibroblasts. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with the extract, and TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were quantified.

Results

The extraction yield was 24.76 ± 1.24% relative to fresh plant material, and cyanidin-3-glucoside content reached 5.40 ± 0.47 mg/mL of extract. No cytotoxicity was observed in RAW 264.7 macrophages or WI-38 fibroblasts at concentrations ≤ 1 mg/mL. Under these conditions, the extract significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in LPS-stimulated macrophages by 60–80% compared with the control, in a dose-dependent manner.

The extraction yield was 24.76 ± 1.24% relative to fresh plant material, and cyanidin-3-glucoside content reached 5.40 ± 0.47 mg/mL of extract. No cytotoxicity was observed in RAW 264.7 macrophages or WI-38 fibroblasts at concentrations ≤ 1 mg/mL. Under these conditions, the extract significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in LPS-stimulated macrophages by 60–80% compared with the control, in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

The anthocyaninrich extract from C. purpureus showed a favorable safety profile and significant antiinflammatory activity, supporting its potential as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds. Further in vivo studies are required to confirm its biological effects and therapeutic applicability.

The anthocyaninrich extract from C. purpureus showed a favorable safety profile and significant antiinflammatory activity, supporting its potential as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds. Further in vivo studies are required to confirm its biological effects and therapeutic applicability.