Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Anethum graveolens L. seeds' ethanolic extract: In vitro and In vivo studies

Anethum graveolens L. (Apiaceae), commonly known as "zareaat el besbas" in Algeria, is traditionally utilized in both traditional and modern Algerian medicine for its therapeutic properties.

To analyze the chemical composition of the ethanolic crude extract (CrdE) from A. graveolens seeds and evaluate its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

The CrdE was analyzed for its total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. High-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) was used to identify the predominant bioactive compounds. In vitro antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH^•, OH^•, H₂O₂, and NO^• scavenging assays, lipid peroxidation inhibition, iron chelation, and ferric reducing power assays. Acute toxicity was assessed following the administration of CrdE at 5 g/kg. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity was tested using xylene-induced and carrageenan-induced edema models at a dose of 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/kg.

The CrdE contained significant levels of total polyphenols (26.33 ± 0.87 μg GAE/mg) and flavonoids (3.02 ± 0.03 μg QE/mg). HPLC-DAD analysis identified kaempferol (294.42 μg/g), chlorogenic acid (264.71 μg/g), and rutin (144.68 μg/g) as major bioactive compounds. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant potential across various assays, effectively scavenging free radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and demonstrating metal chelation and ferric reducing capabilities. The acute toxicity study revealed no adverse effects at the administered dose. In vivo, CrdE significantly reduced edema in xylene-induced (74 %) and carrageenan-induced (83.55 %) inflammation models.

A. graveolens seeds are a rich source of bioactive compounds with notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting their traditional medicinal use.