Insights into the Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, and Anticancer Potentials of the Standardized Extracts From Three Cistus L. Species

Introduction: The popular over-the-counter product of Cistus creticus extract is used in lozenge form. However, the healing potential of other Cistus species as food supplements has not been evaluated comparatively so far. The rationale of this study is to investigate two other Cistus species (C. salviifolius and C. laurifolius) as a substitute for C. creticus. Methods: The phenolic profile of the hydroalcoholic extracts from the aerial parts of three plants has been evaluated comparatively by high-performance thin-layer chromatography and validated high-performance liquid chromatographic methods. Further biological activity potentials of the extracts as an antioxidant, antiinflammatory, analgesic, and anticancer were investigated by in vitro techniques. Results: High-performance thin-layer chromatography fingerprinting allows distinguishing Cistus spp. from each other. The highest quercitrin and tiliroside contents were found in C. creticus. C. salviifolius had the highest hyperoside content and exerted the highest antioxidant activity. Furthermore, C. laurifolius, with the highest quercetin amount, exerted the highest anti-inflammatory activity by reducing nitrite levels. The IL-6 level was reduced concentration-dependently by all Cistus spp. In the analgesic activity test, C. laurifolius extract provided the highest decline in PGE2 level. All extracts exerted expressive anticancer activity against pancreatic cancer cell lines MIA PaCa-2 in both 2D and 3D models concentration-dependently. The strongest effect on spheroid size change was caused by C. laurifolius (1 mg/ml) with a 98% reduction. Conclusion: As a result, apart from C. creticus, other Cistus species may also have the potential to be evaluated as food supplements for various healing benefits.