Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Research

Author:Tzuhuan Hung、Chiuhua Chen、Chiahua Chang、Yalin Lee、Yungming Yeh、Tsaili Kung、Cheng Huang

Abstract:

Mesona chinensis Benth. water extracts (MWE) have traditionally been used in Taiwan for health-promoting purposes, yet the comparative bioactivities of major cultivars remain unclear. This study examined four representative cultivars: ‘Taoyuan No. 1’ (‘TY1’), ‘Taoyuan No. 2’ (‘TY2’), ‘TARI No. 1’ (‘TN1’), and ‘Shuishang’ (‘SS’), to compare their total phenolic content (TPC), total 
flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory effects. Among them, ‘TY2’ exhibited the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacity, followed by ‘TY1’, whereas ‘TN1’ and ‘SS’ showed lower levels. All water extracts were non-cytotoxic to RAW264.7 macrophages at concentrations up to 500 µg mL-1 and slightly enhanced cell viability. All cultivars significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, and the degree of inhibition roughly corresponded with their antioxidant capacity. In contrast, TNF-α and IL-6 levels 
were not significantly affected, and mild elevations were observed in some cultivars. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that MWE possess NO-suppressing anti-inflammatory potential. This study provides a comparative framework for identifying cultivars with superior functional characteristics and future value in functional food development.

Key words:Mesona chinensis water extract, Antioxidant, Nitric oxide, TNF-α, IL-6

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