Formulation of Blumea balsamifera, Anredera cordifolia, and Phyllanthus niruri Extracts as Potential...

Inflammation is an immune response to foreign substances, pathogens, and cellular damage, characterized by redness, pain, and swelling. The use of synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs may cause adverse side effects, prompting the need for natural alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the total flavonoid content and anti-inflammatory activity of single and combined extracts of sembung (Blumea balsamifera) [S], binahong (Anredera cordifolia) [B], and meniran (Phyllanthus niruri) [M] leaves. Extraction was performed using a 70% ethanol and water solution. Total flavonoid content was determined spectrophotometrically using quercetin as the standard. LC-HR-MS/MS results showed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, and amino acids in each single extract (S, B, and M). Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed through the inhibition of albumin denaturation and the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The highest flavonoid content (35.27 mg QE/g DW) in single extracts was found in B of the ethanolic extract, while the highest flavonoid content (40.24 mg QE/g DW) in all formulations was discovered in a combination of the ethanolic extract S:B:M (1:0:1). Moreover, the ethanolic extract S:B:M (1:0:1) gave the strongest inhibition (76.47%) of the albumin denaturation at 300 µg/mL and the strongest inhibition (98.5%) of the COX-2 inhibition at 100 µg/mL. Sembung extract was highest for reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and TNF-α was 97.66% at an extract concentration of 15.625 ppm. As for S, S:B:M (1:0:1) and S:B:M (1:1:1) can reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as IL-6 was 100% in 0 pg/mL at an extract concentration of 15.625 ppm.