Characterizing the phenolic composition and exploring the antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory potential of medicinal plant infusions

Natural products and their derivatives have played important roles in various fields, including nutrition, medicine and cosmetics. In this study, different formulated plant infusions, namely Purifying Body (PB), Boost Training (BT), Calm Night I Spirit (CN), and Boost Energy (BE) were analyzed regarding their phenolic composition and biological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and its influence on a different type of tumoral and non-tumoral cells. Nineteen phenolic compounds across six groups were identified, being cinnamic acid the most prevalent in all infusions. BE infusions exhibited the highest total phenolic content (5 g GAE/L), while BT had the lowest (2 g GAE/L). BE demonstrated superior antioxidant activity, correlating with its high phenolic content. The impact of plant infusions on cell metabolic activity revealing a concentration-dependent behaviour for three used cell lines [human embryonic kidney (HEK293t), normal mouse fibroblast (L929), and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2)]. IC₅₀ values indicated low toxicity on non-tumoral cells and higher inhibition on the metabolic activity of colon cancer Caco-2 cells. These effects can be due to the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. All plant infusions significantly prevented reactive oxygen species formation (oxidative stress regulation), and present anti-inflammatory capacity with a decrease of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β) and an increase of anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines.

Overall, the formulated infusions have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and a notable impact on colon cancer cells. This study revealed the potential of the tested infusions in various medical applications, such as preventive care, as well as in the nutraceutical field.