Chemical characterisation and biological effects of Juniperus foetidissima Willd. 1806

•Extracts and essential oils of cones and needles of Juniperus foetidissima were analysed.•29 Phenolics were identified using LC-MS/MS, with catechin as the most dominant.•34 Terpenes were identified using GC-MS, with monoterpenes as the most dominant.•Extracts and essential oils showed good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.•Newly optimized method for evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential was described.

The present study was designed to define the phenolic and terpene profile, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extracts and essential oils of the leaves and seed cones of Juniperus foetidissima species, on which there has been little previous research. The content of 44 phenolics in extracts was determined using LC-MS/MS. A comparable qualitative composition, including dominant compounds catechin, quercitrin, epicatechin, rutin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside, was found in both extracts. GC-MS analysis showed a simple terpene composition, with monoterpenes dominant and sabinene most abundant compound, 39.9% in leaves and 29.9% in seed cones. Antioxidant activity was determined by several assays. All results of antioxidant tests were comparable to BHT, a well-known synthetic antioxidant. A novel method for estimation of anti-inflammatory potential by means of inhibition of COX-1 and 12-LOX activity was described. Essential oils showed significant anti-inflammatory activity, especially of leaves. To conclude, J. foetidissima showed great bio potential, and its usage in production of food and beverages should be considered.