EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF MOLLUGO NUDICAULIS : AN IN-VITRO STUDY

Introduction: Mollugo nudicaulis Lam (Molluginaceae) used in Indian phytotherapy for the treatment of inflammation, jaundice, urinary and kidney disorders. Oxidative stress plays a major part in the development of chronic and degenerative ailments such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, aging, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases Inflammation is the most significant cause of the structural changes that occur during any damage to our tissues. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-6, and nitric oxide are produced by chondrocytes and these factors induce extracellular matrix degradation and the apoptosis of chondrocytes. So the aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti inflammatory activity of Mollugo nudicaulis. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Mollugo nudicaulis. Materials and methods: Antioxidant activity: Diverse concentrations (2-10 mu g/ml) of plant extract were mixed with 1 ml of 0.1 mM DPPH in methanol and incubated for 15 minutes. Later, the reduction in the quantity of DPPH free radicals was assessed dependent on the absorbance at 517 nm. BHT was employed as control. Percentage of inhibition was calculated. Anti-inflammatory activity: 100 mu L of bovine serum albumin was added to 100 mu l of plant extracts (0.1 to 0.5mg/ml) with increase in concentrations (100-500 mu g/ml). This was incubated at room temperature for 5 minutes. Reaction was inhibited by the addition of 250 mu l of trypsin followed by centrifugation. The supernatant was collected, and absorbance was observed at 210 nm. Acetyl salicylic acid was used as a positive control. The experiment was carried out in triplicates and percent inhibition of protease inhibition was calculated. Results and discussion: As the concentration increased, the percentage of inhibition also increased. Accordingly, Mollugo nudicaulis might contain a sizable amount of reductants which may react with the free radicals to stabilize and terminate from free radical chain reaction. phenolic and flavonoids compounds may significantly contribute to overall antioxidant activities. Mollugo nudicaulis have a significant amount of total phenolics and flavonoids. The extracts displayed greater inhibition of protein denaturation. The results clearly indicate that this plant has potential as an anti- inflammatory agent, thus making this study even more significant. Conclusion: The study demonstrated in-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Mollugo nudicaulis leaf extract through scavenging, chelating and reducing activity indicated the performed test shows good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Further in-vivo studies and clinical trials may be required for drug development in treatment of inflammatory disorders.