Secondary Group Analysis from Methanolic Extracts of Few Arthritic Plants and its in vitro Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Background and Objective: Medicinal plants like Cardiospermum halicacabum, Kirganelia reticulata, Pongamia pinnata, Scoparia dulcis, Urena lobata, Vitex negundo and their products are being used to treat various diseases worldwide, especially in Karnataka. This study aimed to investigate the few phytochemical constituents, in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of methanolic extracts of above mentioned plants. Materials and Methods: Extracts were screened to estimate presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols. To check the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential total antioxidant capacity by phosphomolybdenum method was performed, H₂O₂ scavenging and Inhibition of protein denaturation and assay of cyclooxygenase, respectively. In the case of anti-inflammatory one nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug was used as reference and percentage inhibition of protein denaturation was calculated. Three different concentrations of extracts were prepared and analyzed for antioxidant studies taking ascorbic acid as standard. The IC₅₀ value and percent inhibition from the formulation mixed from all the extracts in certain ratios were also evaluated. Results: The tested extracts showed excellent activities, whereas the formulated sample exhibited to be more potent than individual extract. Formulation is also found to contain large amounts of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols which increases the overall potency of formulation. The preparations of individual plants and their parts are employed traditionally for inflammatory and joint pain-related disorders. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity evaluated gives scientific validation and findings suggest that formulation can be a potent pain-relieving agent and also alleviate its use in oxidative stress-related diseases. Conclusion: Therefore, this would be a very promising source of treatment for the elimination of inflammation and arthritis.