Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities assessment of an aqueous extract of Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn (Malvaceae)

Abstract

Abstract Objective In traditional folk medicine, Ceiba pentandra has been used for its anti-diabetic and anti-infective effects. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract of the plant’s leaves. Methods The anti-oedematous tests with carrageenan and lipoxygenase inhibition assay were carried out concerning anti-inflammatory studies. DPPH free radical scavenging, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, ABTS+ free radical scavenging assay, and lipid peroxide determination were investigated for antioxidant activities. Key findings As a result, C. pentandra extract inhibited edema between 3 and 5 h in the order of 83.07% and 94.09% at 200 kg. b.w. and lipoxygenase enzyme with a percentage of 87.11 ± 3.02%. This study used the lipid peroxidation level as a marker. The results of the lipid peroxidation test show a percentage inhibition of 49.60%, close to Trolox 48.11%, and present a good antioxidant activity compare with the free radical scavenging assay. Conclusions The aqueous decoction of C. pentandra leaves has demonstrated anti-inflammatory solid activities as well as lipid peroxidation due to the presence of phytochemical groups of interest such as sterols, polyphenols, quinones, catechin tannins, flavonoids, and saponins.