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Published on: March 1, 2011
Anti-inflammatory evaluation of HPLC-GC quantified phytochemicals from Acalypha indica L. using LPS-induced
Divya Sharma1, Mahaveer Dhobi2
1Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Delhi, 110017, India.
Background:
Inflammation is a crucial host defense mechanism; however, its prolonged activation contributes to the pathogenesis of respiratory infections. Acalypha indica L. (Haritamanjari), widely used in South Asia, has limited data available on its quantitative phytochemical profile.
Objective:
This study aimed to quantify the identified compounds phytol, gallic acid, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol of A. indica. Additionally, the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential of the crude extract, the n-hexane soluble fraction, and two selected phytochemicals (gallic acid and stigmasterol) was evaluated.
Methodology:
HPLC and GC analyses were performed to quantify four phytoconstituents in A. indica. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the LPS-induced rat model of inflammation. Serum cytokine levels such as IL-6 and TNF-α were also quantified using ELISA kits, and histopathological analyses of liver and lung tissues were performed.
Results:
Quantitative analysis revealed stigmasterol (11.74 mg/g, 1.17%), β-sitosterol (10.88 mg/g, 1.08%), and gallic acid (12.58 mg/g (1.25%)) as major sterols and phenolic acids. Similarly, phytol was found to be 8.76 mg/g (0.87%) in the plant A. indica. The treatments of gallic acid (150 mg/kg b.wt.) and stigmasterol (100 mg/kg b.wt.) significantly reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels (p < 0.001) and restored tissue integrity, reducing inflammatory infiltration, vascular congestion, and edema.
Conclusion:
A. indica and its bioactive constituents, particularly gallic acid and stigmasterol, exert significant anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, the n-hexane fraction emerges as a potential reservoir of naturally derived compounds with significant anti-inflammatory activity.