GC-MS Characterization, in vitro Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Essential Oil from the Leaves of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

Abstract

Oxidative stress arising from free radicals have been documented to be a sponsor of inflammation, driving the search for plant-based compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of essential oil obtained from leaves of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis. Essential oil (EO) was extracted using hydro distillation techniques and its components analyzed using gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. The antioxidant potentials of the EO were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Anti-inflammatory ability was assessed using inhibition of heat and hypotonicity induced hemolysis of the RBC. GC-MS analysis of essential oil of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis showed the presence of limonene (13.85 %), eucalyptol (10.73 %), linalool (5.36 %), cis verbenol (19.54 %), bornyl acetate (12.65 %) and β-phellandrene (5.59 %) as major EO components, representing a total of 67.72 % of the total volatile fraction. The EO showed strong anti-inflammatory properties and a minimal scavenging potential of DPPH and FRAP activity compared to standard agents used. Result obtained from this study indicates that EO of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis is a promising source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, which can be exploited in pharmaceuticals.