In-vitro Evaluation of Aqueous Extracts of Citurs sinensis, Aloe vera and Their 1:1 Extracts Blend on Protein Denaturation during Acute Inflammation

Abstract

Citrus sinensisand Aloe veraare well known and widely used herbs, which contains several interesting bioactive constituents and possesses health promoting properties. Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of many diseases. The use of natural antioxidant, as a therapeutic option, is desirable and increasingly being practised. The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare the antiinflammatory effects of aqueous extracts of Citrus sinensisand Aloe veraand a 1:1 blend of the two extracts against the denaturation of protein in vitro. The test extracts of varying concentrations were incubated with egg albumin under controlled experimental conditions and subjected to determination of absorbance to assess the anti-inflammatory property. A standard anti-inflammatory drug, Ibuprofen, was used as reference drug. The results obtained exhibited a concentration- dependent inhibition of protein (albumin) denaturation by both extracts, including the 1:1 blend of the extracts. From the present findings, it can be concluded that both Citrus sinensisand Aloe verapossessed a marked anti-inflammatory effect against the denaturation of protein, in vitro. Aloe verawas found to be slightly more active than Citrus sinensis, possibly due to the higher flavonoids contents of Aloe vera.