Assessment of antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities and acute toxicity of the aqueous extract from a mixture of leaves and flowers of Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq.

Abstract

Colometric assays were used to quantify the secondary metabolites obtained by a decoction of the extract of Anabasis articulata (DEAA) flowers and leaves. Antioxidant activity was examined using several methods: total antioxidant capacity, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and the ?-carotene bleaching assay. Single oral doses of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight were administered to albino mice to assess acute toxicity. In vitro antiinflammatory activity was determined using the egg albumin denaturation test, and the in vivo inflammatory effect was assessed utilizing carrageenan, croton oil, and xylene-induced edema tests. Results showed that DEAA contained high amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins and exhibited antioxidant activity in all tested assays. DEAA inhibited protein denaturation and did not cause any mortality or adverse effects. Oral administration of 200 mg/kg DEAA significantly reduced the edema induced by carrageenan, croton oil, and xylene. This study highlights the use of Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq. in traditional herbal medicine. It possesses antioxidant activity and can be considered safe for oral consumption; it also has potential beneficial effects in treating diseases associated with inflammation and pain.