Phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic and hypoglycemic activities of Periploca angustifolia L extracts in rats

Abstract

Background: In traditional North Africa, medicine decoctions of the leaves of Periploca angustifolia are used to treat diarrhea, inflammation, ulcers, edema and diabetes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, and hypoglycemic activities of an ethanolic extract of P. angustifolia L. in rats. Methods: An extract of air-dried powdered P. angustifolia plant was obtained using 96% ethanol. The extract was concentrated and the total phenolic and flavonoids contents were estimated colorimetrically. The phenolic and flavonoid compounds were quantified and identified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic and hypoglycemic activities of the extract were evaluated in three rat models respectively: formaldehyde-induced paw edema, ethanol induced gastric damage and alloxan induced hyperglycemia. Results: The total flavonoids and total phenolics constituted 15% and 2.69% of the extract, respectively and are expressed as quercetin equivalent and μg/mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE). Coumarin, resorcinol, isorhamnetin, quercetin, and naphthalene were isolated from the ethanolic extract of P. angustifolia. Oral administration of the ethanolic extract at 500 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) significantly reduced paw inflammation, gastric lesions, ulcer index scores and blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats.