Potential chemo preventive and anti-inflammatory constituents from Centaurea pumilio: bio-guided isolation

The natural alternatives offer cost-effective solutions compared to chemically synthesised drugs, with the added advantage of minimal side effects. Centaurea pumilio L., a rare and endangered species within the Centaurea genus belonging to the Asteraceae family, has received limited attention regarding its chemical composition. Aerial parts of C. pumilio were extracted with methanol (TE-1) and then fractionated into four fractions as follows (DCM-2, WF-3, MW-4 and MF-5). In a rigorous assessment of their anti-inflammatory potential, all samples underwent scrutiny utilising LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages. Notably, the dichloromethane fraction (DCM-2) showcased a pronounced anti-inflammatory efficacy, thus establishing them as compelling natural substitutes for synthetic anti-inflammatory medications. Our comprehensive phytochemical investigation of this bioactive fraction resulted in the isolation and identification of four compounds, namely β-sitosterol, stigmasterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, stigmast-1,5-dien-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and lupeol. Notably, none of the compounds exhibited any cytotoxic effects. Finally, Centaurea could be considered an anti-inflammatory candidate for the amelioration of enduring health challenges.