Phytochemical analysis and bioactivity evaluation of Moroccan Thymus atlanticus (Ball) fractions

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to evaluate the effect of polar and less polar fractions of Thymus atlanticus (T. atlanticus) on inflammation and hyperlipidemia in animal models, and on coagulation and lipid peroxidation in vitro. Polar and less polar fractions of T. atlanticus were analyzed by HPLC and their antioxidant activities were evaluated using different in vitro methods. The anti-inflammatory effect was tested using arachidonic acid and xylene-induced inflammation tests in animal models. Acute hyperlipidemia was induced in mice by an intraperitoneal injection of Triton WR-1339. After 24h, plasma was collected to analyze lipid profile. The effect of the fractions and heparin on coagulation of the rabbit blood was explored in vitro by partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and thrombin time tests. The results indicated that rosmarinic acid was the main phenolic acid. All fractions significantly protected plasma lipids against oxidation. The ethyl acetate fraction significantly inhibited inflammation induced by arachidonic and xylene in mice and rat, respectively. The administration of fractions at a dose of 2 g/kg body weight markedly decreased plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C but only the aqueous fraction increased the level of HDL-C in hyperlipidemic mice. The blood coagulation was completely inhibited even at very low concentration of fractions (280 µg/mL of plasma). T. atlanticus could be a source of potential lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory compounds.