Calotropis procera (Aiton) seeds fixed oil: Physicochemical analysis, GC–MS profiling and evaluation of its in-vivo anti-inflammatory and in-vitro antiparasitic activities

Abstract

Calotropis procera (Aiton) is a wildly grown shrubbery that has been used by traditional healers in various remedies for centuries. Its different organs are reported to possess a variety of biological activities. However, a few reports chemically investigated the seed fixed oil, but they didn’t prospect its bioactivity. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, physicochemical properties, and biological activity of the seed oil. As well, exploration of the best extraction method that give the highest oil yield with the best composition. Physicochemical properties, total phenolic content and oxidative stability index of the oil were estimated. GC–MS analysis identified the oil content. Anti- inflammatory activity was examined using a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema assay. Immunomodulatory activity was determined by measuring the pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. Moreover, In- vitro anti-parasitic and antioxidant activities were studied. Soxhlet extraction method gives the highest yield of 40.5 ± 0.76% with no time interval. The oil shows a physicochemical property within the AOCS standards and low phenol content. GC-MS analysis reveals unsaturated fatty acids account for 75.25% of the oil, with an abundance of oleic acid (33.64%) and linoleic acid (31.95%). The oil exhibited potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. At various dose levels, paw edoema volume, pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) serum levels were reduced. The seed oil is a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammation and/or inflammatory associated diseases (as parasitic infections) besides its immunomodulatory activity.