Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of Schumanniophyton magnificum leaves: In vivo and in vitro approaches

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the methanol extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum leaves' (MESM-L) anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

Methods: Acute toxicity studies were carried out for 24 hours. Albino rats were randomized into five groups for in vivo anti-inflammatory studies using three models namely egg albumin-induced paw edema, acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, and in vivo leukocyte mobilization assay. Groups include the control, standard and experimental groups (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. of MESM-L). Membrane stabilization and anti-platelet aggregatory response were carried out at the concentrations 0.1 – 0.8 mg/ml. Nitric oxide, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays were employed for anti-oxidant studies. 

Results: In acute toxicity investigations, MESM-L was found to be non-toxic at the maximum dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. MESM-L (400 mg/kg b.w) inhibited edema by 73.13% and inhibited vascular permeability by 72.37%. A profound effect of MESM-L on leukocyte mobilization was detected at the lowest dose (41.17%).  Inhibition of hemolysis and aggregation of platelets was exhibited with highest concentration of MESM-L on membrane stabilization and anti-platelet aggregatory. MESM-L scavenged NO and DPPH radical- with IC50 values of 19.52 and 12.31 μg/mL in that order. The effect of gallic acid on FRAP assay was found to be higher than MESM-L.

Conclusion: These findings proved the anti-inflammatory potential of MESM-L, although the activities exhibited by the standard drugs were significantly higher. The capacity of the plant to scavenge free radicals is responsible for the effects that have been discovered.