Bioactive phytonutrients (omega fatty acids, tocopherols, polyphenols), in vitro inhibition of nitric oxide production and free radical scavenging activity of non-cultivated Mediterranean vegetables

Hydroalcoholic extracts from 18 non-cultivated vegetables traditionally consumed in Southern Italy were tested for their free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) in the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil radical) screening assay and for their in vitro inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production. The strongest activity was shown for Rubus caesius (leaves), Mentha spicata subsp. glabra (leaves) and Origanum vulgare subsp. viridulum (stems and leaves) with IC50 values of 5, 6, 8 μg/ml, respectively. Extracts from non-cultivated Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum (seeds), Amaranthus retroflexus (leaves) and M. spicata subsp. glabra (leaves) showed high in vitro inhibition of nitric oxide production, with an activity comparable to a reference drug, indomethacin. A significant cytotoxic effect was shown for the seeds of F. vulgare subsp. piperitum. A. retroflexus (leaves) presented the highest content in linoleic acid. R. caesius and M. spicata subsp. glabra had relatively high polyphenols content, 482 and 334 mg/g of extract, respectively.