Investigation analysis of the phytochemical composition of Laurus nobilis L. leaves essential oil: a study of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties using a combination of in vitro and in silico methods

This study centres on the field of natural product chemistry, specifically aiming to analyse and describe the structure of secondary metabolites obtained from plants. These secondary metabolites have been evaluated as potential "new drugs" because of their fascinating pharmacological effects shown in both laboratory and animal experiments1. The features of this substance encompass anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and antibacterial actions. The perennial Mediterranean shrub Laurus nobilis L., also referred to as bay laurel, has an extensive historical background of customary utilisation in culinary practices and traditional medicine owing to its beneficial effects on health. These features are currently being scientifically clarified through a range of biological activities. Specimens of L. nobilis were gathered from three distinct areas in central-southern Italy. The leaves underwent hydro-distillation, and essential oils (EOs) were examined using gas chromatography (GC/FID) to quantification volatile chemicals and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) to identify them. The multivariate analysis of the principal components examines the relationships between various chemical substances and their respective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The antioxidant activity was assessed using various methods (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP assay) in vitro. Additionally, the ability to reduce inflammation was evaluated by measuring its inhibition of specific enzymes involved in the production of eicosanoids through three metabolic pathways: cyclooxygenase (COX), 5- lipoxygenase (5-LO), and cytochrome P450 (CYP450)2 . In more detail here, the simultaneous targeting of several enzymes, specifically COXs and Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH) of the EOs, in a more detailed manner. Moreover, the in silico investigations were used to explain the biological activities in inflammatory events that were observed for the primary secondary metabolites of the various types of L. nobilis essential oils at the molecular level.