Perspectives on Populus spp. (Salicaceae) bud extracts as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

Hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from buds of P. nigra, P. deltoides and P. trichocarpa were characterized by HPLC-DAD-MS analysis and subsequently evaluated in vitro for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. ABTS and DPPH assays evidenced that P. nigra showed the best antioxidant activity in line with its highest total phenolic content. The analysis of the anti-inflammatory activity clearly demonstrated that all extracts suppressed the production of key pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, Il-1β and TNF-α) and HMGB1 inflammatory danger signal. These results show antioxidant and critical anti-inflammatory activities mediated by the extracts, emphasising their potentiality as therapeutic agents.