Phytochemical composition and biological screening of two Lophophytum species

Lophophytum species are holoparasites that grow on tree roots. The objectives of the work were to explore the chemical composition of the tubers of two Lophophytum species and to analyze the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antilithiatic activity of their extracts using in vitro methods. The chemical composition was determined by histochemical, phytochemical and TLC tests. In addition, the profile of phenolic compounds was determined by HPLC-MS. The presence of secondary metabolites of recognized activity was demonstrated. The results of the HPLC-MS/MS allowed the tentative identification of catechin, luteolin and glycosides of eriodictyol, naringenin and luteolin in the extract of Lophophytum leandri and eriodictyol, naringenin, luteolin and their glycosylated derivatives in Lophophytum mirabile. The extracts showed promising antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS and beta-carotenelinoleic acid), anti-inflammatory (inhibition of 5-LOX) and anti-urolytic (by bioautographic TLC) activity. It is noteworthy that these are the first results of the phytochemical composition and biological activity of L. mirabile. However, in vivo studies are required to corroborate these activities.