Phytochemical Investigation & In-Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Various Extracts on Mussaenda Philippica Leaves

Abstract

Aim: Mussaenda philippica A. Rich. (Family: Rubiaceae) is a medicinal and ornamental plant traditionally used for various ailments and is reported to contain several bioactive phytoconstituents. However, systematic evaluation of the anti-inflammatory potential of its different solvent extracts remains limited.

Objective: The present study was undertaken to investigate the phytochemical constituents and evaluate the in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of benzene, diethyl ether, and chloroform extracts of Mussaenda philippica leaves.

Methods: The leaves of Mussaenda philippica were collected from Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, shade-dried, powdered, and subjected to Soxhlet extraction using benzene, diethyl ether, and chloroform. The percentage extractive values and preliminary phytochemical constituents were determined using standard qualitative chemical tests. The in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was evaluated by the albumin denaturation method at different concentrations, with diclofenac sodium used as the standard drug. The percentage inhibition of protein denaturation and IC₅₀ values were determined.

Results: The percentage yields obtained by Soxhlet extraction were 3.48% for the benzene extract, 2.97% for the diethyl ether extract, and 4.25% for the chloroform extract. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phytosterols and flavonoids in all three extracts, while phenolic compounds and tannins were additionally detected in the chloroform extract. The benzene, diethyl ether, and chloroform extracts exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of albumin denaturation. The IC₅₀ values were 14.40 mg for the benzene extract, 13.30 mg for the diethyl ether extract, and 9.89 mg for the chloroform extract, whereas diclofenac sodium showed an IC₅₀ value of 11.40 mg under the reported experimental conditions.

Conclusion: Among the three extracts investigated, the chloroform extract demonstrated the highest in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity, as evidenced by its lowest IC₅₀ value. The observed activity may be associated with the phytoconstituents detected in the extract, particularly flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, and phytosterols. Further studies are required to isolate the active constituents and validate the anti-inflammatory potential using additional in-vitro and in-vivo models.