Journal of
Medicinal Plants Research

  • Abbreviation: J. Med. Plants Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0875
  • DOI: 10.5897/JMPR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 3842

Full Length Research Paper

In vitro toxicity, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of ethanolic root extracts of Tanzanian Hydnora abyssinica A. Br. (Aristolochiaceae)

Daniel Z. Matata
  • Daniel Z. Matata
  • Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, P. O. Box 2925, Dodoma, Tanzania.
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Fidelice M. S. Mafumiko
  • Fidelice M. S. Mafumiko
  • Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, P. O. Box 2925, Dodoma, Tanzania.
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Francis E. Kway
  • Francis E. Kway
  • Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, P. O. Box 2925, Dodoma, Tanzania.
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Ernest Prosper
  • Ernest Prosper
  • Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, P. O. Box 2925, Dodoma, Tanzania.
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Hussein Yasin
  • Hussein Yasin
  • Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, P. O. Box 2925, Dodoma, Tanzania.
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Adam MbugI
  • Adam MbugI
  • Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, P. O. Box 2925, Dodoma, Tanzania.
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Colleen Mrina
  • Colleen Mrina
  • Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, P. O. Box 2925, Dodoma, Tanzania.
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Leah Kalinga
  • Leah Kalinga
  • Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, P. O. Box 2925, Dodoma, Tanzania.
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Maximilian Mtweve
  • Maximilian Mtweve
  • Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, P. O. Box 2925, Dodoma, Tanzania.
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Jorance Kivuyo
  • Jorance Kivuyo
  • Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, P. O. Box 2925, Dodoma, Tanzania.
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Msafiri Mwasyeba
  • Msafiri Mwasyeba
  • Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, P. O. Box 2925, Dodoma, Tanzania.
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Hussein Mtenda
  • Hussein Mtenda
  • Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, P. O. Box 2925, Dodoma, Tanzania.
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  •  Received: 17 July 2024
  •  Accepted: 21 August 2024
  •  Published: 31 October 2024

Abstract

Injuries and the effects of diseases, including various types of cancer, are among the sources of inflammation, pain, and discomfort for patients. Hydnora abyssinica, claimed by traditional practitioners in the Eastern Same district to manage inflammation, may contain ingredients with anti-inflammatory activity. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and determine the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extract of the plant's rhizomes. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed through the inhibition of protein denaturation, and antioxidant activity was evaluated using the phosphomolybdenum method (total antioxidant capacity assay, TAC) with a UV/Vis spectrometer at wavelengths of 660 and 695 nm, respectively. Toxicity was determined by the Brine shrimp lethality test (BST). The extract was tested for anti-inflammatory activity compared to the control, diclofenac sodium, and antioxidant activity was assessed compared to the standard, ascorbic acid. Toxicity was compared to cyclophosphamide, a known toxic anticancer agent. The extract's toxicity was found to have an LC50 of 48.0286 µg/ml and a 95% CI of 33.0973-69.6973. In contrast, cyclophosphamide's toxicity had an LC50 of 15.0865 µg/ml and a CI of 7.6196-29.8717. The extract revealed anti-inflammatory activity with an IC50 of 279.1 ± 1.124 µg/ml, which is more active than the control, diclofenac sodium, with an IC50 of 537.2 ± 0.5643 µg/ml. The ethanolic extract had a total antioxidant capacity of 8.1893 ± 0.0037/g AAE. Active ingredients from H. abyssinica may serve as substitutes for diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory agents with equal or less activity.

Key words: Hydnora abyssinica, anti-inflammatory, protein denaturation, antioxidant, toxicity.