HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI-MS-MS profiles of hydroalcoholic extracts of Chamaemelum nobile and Mentha pulegium, and study of their antihemolytic activity against AAPH-induced hemolysis

Chamaemelum nobile and Mentha pulegium are two herbs used in traditional medicine throughout the world, including Algeria. The present research aimed to study the phenolic composition of C. nobile (CN) and M. pulegium (MP) hydroalcoholic extracts, as well as their antioxidant and antihemolytic effects in AAPH-induced hemolysis on human erythrocytes. Colorimetric estimation of total polyphenols, total flavonoids, flavones and flavonols and condensed tannins showed that CN was richer in total flavonoids, flavones and flavonols and condensed tannins than MP, while MP was richer in total polyphenols. A total of 46 compounds were found using HPLC/DAD and HPLC/ESI-MS-MS analysis, of which 39 were identified. All these identified compounds are divided into five structural groups; phenolic acids, quinic acid esters, flavonoids, caffeic acid oligomers and fatty acids. For the CN, 27 compounds were identified. In contrast, for the MP, only 18 compounds were identified. Both extracts showed good antioxidant activity in vitro. The IC50 for DPPH radical scavenging activity were 19.98 +/- 0.91 mu g/mL for MP and 52.77 +/- 1.53 mu g/mL for CN. The MP had a reducing power of 223.74 +/- 1.08 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g extract, while CN's was 130.65 +/- 1.69 mg Asc E/g. Both extracts were also significantly effective and in a dose-dependent manner in reducing AAPH-induced oxidative damage on erythrocyte membranes with IC50s of 127.48 +/- 3.14 mu g/mL for CN and 129.52 +/- 2.15 mu g/mL for MP. Lipid peroxidation induced by AAPH and estimated by MDA levels revealed that both extracts significantly reduced MDA levels at doses of 200 and 300 mu g/mL, particularly MP. Our findings provide evidence that C. nobile and M. pulegium have a considerable protective effect on the erythrocyte membrane against free radicals generated by AAPH. (C) 2022 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.