Blackstonia perfoliata (L.) Huds. (Gentianaceae): A promising source of useful bioactive compounds

Blackstonia perfoliata (L.) Huds. is known as a highly bitter secoiridoid glycosides-containing plant and as a possible substitute for some Gentianaceae plants in herbal preparations. Nevertheless, its bioactive properties are still unknown. The present study aimed to characterize both, secoiridoid glycosides and phenolic constituents, and to investigate antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of B. perfoliata methanolic extract. The secoiridoid glycosides swertiamarin, gentiopicrin, and sweroside were found to be the dominant compounds of the extract, while 23 phenolic compounds were identified in much lower concentrations. Among phenolics, flavanols were the most abundant, which represents a unique feature among Gentianaceae species. The extract showed moderate to weak antioxidant activity with better performance in inhibition of lipid peroxidation than in free radical scavenging activities. The extract showed generally better antifungal properties compared with its antibacterial potential. Also, B. perfoliata demonstrated in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, the extract (50 μg/mL) showed inhibition of cyclooxigenases, COX-1 and COX-2, activities (19.65 and 48.02%, respectively). It also displayed biocompatibility on the immortalized and cancer cells, as no cytotoxic effect was observed. For the first time, the bioactive potential of this species was demonstrated, justifying its usage in pharmaceutical and food products as an alternative for some overexploited and endangered species from the Gentianaceae family.