In vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and ex vivo nephroprotective activities of Chenopodium ambrosioides

Abstract

Chenopodium ambrosioides is a medicinal plant used in Togo to treat nephropathy and other diseases. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity and the ex vivo nephroprotective capacity of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract. Antioxidant potential was determined in vitro by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging, total antioxidant capacity and reducing power tests. Egg albumin denaturation and membrane stabilization tests were carried out to assess its anti-inflammatory effect. The ex vivo nephroprotective activity of the extract was performed in vitro using Fe2Cl2 to induce high levels of malonic dialdehyde (MDA) in kidney homogenate. Results showed that the extract significantly reduced MDA (P < 0.001) and protein levels in the kidney. In vitro, the extract demonstrated its ability to scavenge DPPH (IC50 = 401.57±0.39), reduce ferric iron, and have a total antioxidant capacity of 49.49 ± 0.37 mg EAA/g. The extract also inhibited ovalbumin denaturation and prevented hemolysis, with IC50 values of 61.83 ± 0.69 µg/mL and 637.78 ± 0.26µg/mL respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponosides in the extract. This study concludes that Chenopodium ambrosioides extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and can be used in the treatment of nephropathy.