Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic activity of aqueous and methanolic extract of Houttuynia cordata: an in vitro and in vivo study

Abstract

Available synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyl anisole, butylated hydroxyl toluene, propyl gallate, and ascorbic acid exhibit several side effects. To curb these side effects, more effective, less toxic, and cost-effective drugs are required. Therefore, this study aims to screen and evaluate the antioxidant as well as the anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potential of Houttuynia cordata collected from Mairang village, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India using several standard methods. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of H. cordata were evaluated by screening their ability to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-dipicrylhydrozyl, 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide. Total phenol and flavonoid content was measured by Folin-Ciocalteau and by AlCl3 colorimetric method respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity of the plant was determined using the protein denaturation method. Methanolic and aqueous extracts of Houttuynia cordata exhibit varying free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activity. Among the extracts used in the study, the methanolic extract of Houttuynia cordata elicited a higher activity than the aqueous extract. Houttuynia cordata also elicited a marked reduction in blood glucose level of normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Flavonoids, which have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, enzyme inhibition, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiallergy, and antioxidant properties may contribute towards the free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effect of Houttuynia cordata.

Evaluating Antioxidant Performance, Biosafety, and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Houttuynia cordata Extract and Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Biogenic Silver Nano-Antibiotics

“…Additionally, the primary function of the flavonoid metabolites in the plant is to produce yellow pigments. Furthermore, humans can easily consume flavonoids, which are important for their anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anticancer properties [3,9,42]. Nuengchamnong et al utilized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify several phytochemicals with antioxidant properties in the aqueous extract of Houttuynia cordata [43].…”

Bacteriocin-Producing Enterococcus faecium OV3-6 as a Bio-Preservative Agent to Produce Fermented Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Beverages: A Preliminary Study

“…Changes during E. faecium OV3-6 Growth E. faecium OV3-6 strain was cultured in MRS broth as detailed (refer to Section 2.3). The pH changes in the samples (at 0, 6,12,18,24,30,36,42, and 48 h) were measured using a pH meter (model HQ40d, Hach, Loveland, CO, USA) at room temperature.…”

“…Houttuynia cordata Thunb., known as Plu-Khao in Thai, is a popular plant used to produce FPBs, mainly because of its bioactive properties [6,7]. The reports proved that H. cordata has several pharmacological activities, including antiviral [8], antibacterial [9][10][11], antioxidant [12], anti-inflammatory [13], and anticancer [6] activities.…”