Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Acute Oral Toxicity, and Qualitative Phytochemistry of The Aqueous Root Extract of Launaea cornuta (Hochst. Ex Oliv. & Hiern.)

Abstract

The root and leaf extracts of Launaea cornuta have been locally used in traditional medicine for decades to manage inflammatory conditions and other oxidative-stress-related syndromes; however, their pharmacologic efficacy has not been scientifically investigated and validated. Accordingly, we investigated the in vitro antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory ( in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) efficacy, acute oral toxicity, and qualitative phytochemical composition of the aqueous root extract of L. cornuta. The ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the 2,2-diphenyl-2-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test methods were used to determine the studied plant extract’s antioxidant activity. Besides, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the studied plant extract was investigated using in vitro (anti-proteinase and protein denaturation), ex vivo (membrane stabilization), and in vivo (carrageenan-induced paw oedema in Swiss albino mice) methods. The studied plant extract demonstrated significant in vitro antioxidant effects, which were evidenced by higher DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP activities, in a concentration-dependent manner ( p < 0.05). Generally, the studied plant extract exhibited significant in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy, respectively, and in a concentration/dose-dependent manner compared with respective controls ( p < 0.05). Moreover, the studied plant extract did not cause any observable signs of acute oral toxicity, even at the cut-off dose of 2000 mg/Kg BW (LD50 > 2000 mg/Kg BW), and was thus considered safe. Additionally, qualitative phytochemistry revealed the presence of various antioxidant- and anti-inflammatory-associated phytochemicals, which were deemed responsible for the reported pharmacologic efficacy. Further studies to characterise bioactive molecules and their mode(s) of pharmacologic efficacy are encouraged.

Subacute Toxicity Effects of the Aqueous Shoot Extract of Yushania alpina (K. Schum.) W.C.Lin in Sprague Dawley Rats: An Appraisal of Its Safety in Ethnomedicinal Usage

“…In addition, no pathologic changes were observed in the experimental rats' liver, kidney, and spleen sections. These findings depict the safety of the studied plant extract, at least in Sprague Dawley rats, in line with previous studies [ 24 , 26 , 33 , 38 ] and are further supported by the biochemical, haematological, and physical examination evidence obtained in our study. Moreover, the safety of the studied plant extract may be attributable to the low concentration or absence of some amalgams, which have been demonstrated previously to cause toxicity [ 39 , 40 ].…”

“…There are no specific, conventionally harmonised guidelines for the preparation, packaging, storage, distribution, and dosage in traditional medicine, which raises public health and safety concerns [ 22 ]. In addition, there is insufficient pharmacologic data, including herb-herb and herb-synthetic drug interactions, specific indications and contraindications, and associated side effects on various ethnomedicinally important plants like Y. alpina , which hamper their appraisal and potential for integration into the conventional healthcare system [ 9 , 23 , 24 ]. Accordingly, we investigated the subacute toxicity effects of the aqueous shoot extract of Y. alpina to appraise its safety, owing to its extensive ethnomedicinal applications.…”

Acute oral toxicity, cognitive-enhancing and anti-lipid peroxidation efficacy, and qualitative phytochemistry of the aqueous aerial part extract of Launaea cornuta (Hochst. ex. Oliv. &Hiern) C. Jeffrey

“…These results support those reported by Akimat et al [ 29 ] indicating the non-toxicity of the aqueous root extract of L. cornuta in mice. Given the widespread use of L. cornuta as vegetables, and a medicine for numerous ailments in traditional medicine [ 26 , 28 , 47 ], it was imperative to appraise its safety.…”

“…In addition to other uses, it is used to treat gonorrhoea, typhoid, inflammatory diseases including enlarged testicles, earaches, stomach-aches, chronic joint problems, diabetes, hypertension, and memory loss [ 27 , 28 ]. Past studies have shown that this plant is highly effective in reducing inflammation and free radicals, and it also contains antioxidant phytocompounds [ 29 ] that may improve cognitive function [ 30 ]. Even though L. cornuta has been used extensively to treat dementia and associated complications, among other ailments in traditional medicine, there is a paucity of empirical information to appraise its efficacy and medicinal value.…”

Evaluation of in vitro Antioxidant Properties of Methanol Extract and Fractions of Cola rostrata (K. Schum) Leaves

“…Additionally, the availability, affordability, and lability of synthetic antioxidants limit their use (Akimat et al, 2021). Dietary supplements have attracted a lot of attention as potential replacements for synthetic antioxidants.…”