Assessment of phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic roots extract of Gnidia kraussiana (Thymeleaceae)

Dadaya et al.: Phytochemical and anti-inflammatory activity of Gnidia kraussiana

Abstract

Inflammation plays a significant role in many chronic health conditions, posing a major threat to public health, especially in developing countries. Various medicinal plants and formulations have been proven to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Gnidia kraussiana is a plant used in traditional African medicine to treat inflammatory diseases such as gout, rheumatism, and jaundice. The present study was undertaken to explore the anti-inflammatory potential of the methanolic root extract of Gnidia kraussiana (MREGK). Material and Methods: Phytochemical characterization studies and in vitro antioxidant activity through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP tests were achieved on MREGK. The safety of MREGK was evaluated by an acute oral toxicity test in conformity with OECD 423 guidelines. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of MREGK was evaluated utilizing the protein denaturation inhibition assay. The anti-inflammatory effect of MREGK
(25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) was explored in vivo in a carrageenan-induced acute inflammation mouse model. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring the percentage inhibition of edema. Phytochemical screening revealed varying levels of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. In vitro antioxidant tests showed antiradical capacity against DPPH free radical (426.36 mmol T.Eq/100 g) and ABTS (349.14 mmol T.Eq/100 g) as well as a strong iron reducing power (75.05 mg vitC.Eq/100 g). The acute oral toxicity evaluation of MREGK revealed a LD₅₀ greater than
2000 mg/kg. The MREGK significantly inhibited protein denaturation comparable to the standard drug diclofenac.
A significant inhibition of paw oedema was noted in vitro with MREGK comparable to diclofenac. Results suggest that Gnidia kraussiana exhibits significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Consequently, its chemical constituents may hold promise for use as drugs with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.