Determination of the effects of some Lamiaceae plants against osteoarthritis by determination of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) inhibitory effect

Lamiaceae is a large family that is widely found in many regions of the world with different genera and species. They have an important place in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and spices industries, especially perfumery, owing to their essential oils and various phenolic compounds. Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder that reduces the quality of life. The level of the matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) enzyme increases with the progress of osteoarthritis. MMP-3 enzyme inhibitors are often used in therapy. In this study, the inhibition percentage of MMP-3 enzyme on Ajuga chamaepitys (L.) Schreber, Lamium purpureum L., Phlomis pungens Willd., Salvia cryptantha Montbret & Aucher Ex Bentham, Scutellaria orientalis L., Sideritis montana L., Stachys annua (L.) L., Teucrium chamaedrys L., Thymus longicaulis C. plants belonging to Lamiaceae family and eucalyptus, thyme, Niaouli, lemon, cypress, frankincense, ginger, marjoram, juniper and Roman chamomile essential oils were determined for the first time. The results were compared with the seeds of Abelmoschus esculentus L. (okra) and the products containing glucosamine (Osteobi-flex® and Glukorax®) used in osteoarthritis. MMP-3 inhibitory effects of okra seed and products containing glucosamine were determined for the first time in this study. All results have shown that the tested materials have an inhibitory effect on the MMP-3 enzyme as strong as glucosamine containing products (Osteobi-flex® ve Glukorax®). As a result, Lamiaceae plants and tested essential oils were found to have a significant potential in osteoarthritis.