HPLC profiling and anti-inflammatory potential of Citrus macroptera leaves along with in silico analysis

Abstract

BackgroundCitrus macroptera (Family-Rutaceae), is a scarce medicinal plant that has much therapeutic importance and is also reported to possess various medicinal components. Regarding the uses and the compounds, selected pharmacological tests on its leaves were conducted along with HPLC and in silico analysis. MethodsHPLC analysis of polyphenolic compounds was conducted using sixteen standards. In both qualitative and quantitative ways, antioxidant tests were conducted. The total contents of different antioxidant components were also measured. Free radicals from 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide radicals were scavenged along with FeCl3 reduction. To measure analgesic effects, acetic acid-induced writhing and tail immersion tests were experimented. Formalin-induced paw edema and Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia methods were followed to evaluate anti-inflammatory and antipyretic potentialities, respectively. Finally, molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis of reported compounds were carried out. ResultsC. macroptera leaves showed the presence of eight polyphenols from HPLC analysis. The measured contents of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacities were noteworthy. The extract scavenged the obtained free radicals from the oxidants and also showed good FeCl3-reducing capabilities. In the case of pharmacological assays, it showed a considerable analgesic effect by reducing writhing impulse and elongating tail withdrawal time. Over the period of time, this extract significantly lessened the paw edema and elevated body temperature which revealed good anti-inflammatory and antipyretic outcomes, respectively. With the findings and from in silico analysis, we suppose six molecules to be treated as new leads. ConclusionOur experiment expressed that C. macroptera leaves are abundant with antioxidants and it also revealed nice anti-inflammatory potentialities.