Assessment of Secondary Metabolites, In-Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Root of Argemone mexicana L.

Abstract

Argemone mexicana L., known as "Satyanasi" in India, holds significance as a medicinal plant in Ayurveda, utilized for millennia to combat various ailments. This study focused on assessing the physicochemical attributes, phytochemical composition, and phenolic, tannin, and flavonoid content in the root's ethanolic extract. Furthermore, the research explored the extract's in-vitro anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Results indicated phenolic content at 51.22±0.83 µg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/mg, tannin content at 41.95±0.64 µg GAE/mg, and flavonoid content at 83.33±4.04 µg Quercetin equivalent/mg. Notably, the root extract exhibited the highest flavonoid levels. Antioxidant potential displayed dose-dependent behaviour, peaking at 17.37±1.86% at 1000 µg/ml, though lower than ascorbic acid's 29.83±8.9% at the same concentration; The IC50 value of the root extract and ascorbic acid was reported as 451.26 and 137.78 µg/ml, respectively. Anti-inflammatory effects were also concentration-dependent; the extract curtailed hemolysis by 4.11±1.8% at 2000 µg/ml, while Diclofenac Sodium showed 67.39±4.9% inhibition with 32.6±4.9% hemolysis at 2000 µg/ml. These findings underscore Argemone mexicana root extracts' potential in pharmacology for tackling oxidative stress and inflammation.