Sardinian Parasitic Plants Cytinus Hypocistis And Cynomorium Coccineum As Effective Sources Of Biological Active Compounds

Cytinus hypocistis (Cytinaceae) and Cynomorium coccineum (Cynomoriaceae) are two Mediterranean parasitic plants, wildly diffused in Sardinia and well-known for several ethnopharmacological activities [1-2]. Nevertheless, only partially confirmation have been reported so far. To explore their potential, we undertook a thorough biological study. Water and methanol extracts from both plants presented intriguing biological activities, due to a high content in phenolics (Table 1). The main active components were identified as gallic acid and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside [2]. Antioxidant activity was determined with both ET (FRAP, DPPH, and TEAC-ABTS) and HAT assays (ORAC-pyrogallol). Both plants were active against clinical isolate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Significant differences were found in the cytotoxic properties of the two plants. In fact, whereas Cynomorium was toxic against tumoral line B16F10, Cytinus did not have a significant effect even at the highest dose (1000μg/mL). In C. coccineum, even pro-erectile function was detected, confirming traditional use. Altogether these activities are promising in the perspective of potential nutraceutical applications. [1] Zucca P, et al. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:562 [2] Zucca P, et al. Nutrients 2013; 5:149