Bioactive potential of Algerian Citrullus colocynthis resin: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Abstract

This study explored the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties of Citrullus colocynthis fruit resin from Algeria. A range of assays were conducted to assess these bioactivities, including DPPH• radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ABTS+, haemolysis, and anti-inflammatory tests. The resin extract exhibited potent antioxidant activity, with an IC50 of 0.674 ± 0.016 mg/mL for DPPH scavenging, a TAC value of 0.064 ± 0.004 mg E A as/mg Ex, and an FRAP EC50 of 0.476 ± 0.09 mg/mL. The ABTS+ assay revealed an IC50 of 0.067 ± 0.009 mg/mL. In the haemolysis test, the IC50 was 0.413 ± 0.005 mg/mL, while albumin denaturation assays indicated significant anti-inflammatory effects, with values of 1.37 mg E Dc/mg Ex for human serum albumin and an IC50 of 0.472 ± 0.037 mg/mL for egg albumin. Photoprotective activity was also demonstrated, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 14.6196. Phenolic compounds such as vanillic acid and naringin were identified in the extracts, contributing to the bioactive properties. These findings suggest that Citrullus colocynthis fruit resin is a promising source of bioactive compounds, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics.