Phytochemical screening and evaluation of pharmacological activities of aqueous extract of Typhonium trilobatum (L.) Schott

Abstract

This study aimed at phytochemical analysis and evaluation of toxic and protective effects of the crude aqueous extract of Typhonium trilobatum. Toxicity analysis was done in Allium cepa, while anti-inflammatory, and membrane stabilizing and clotlysis capacity were tested by using egg albumin and human erythrocytes, respectively. The results suggest that T. trilobatum aqueous extract contains alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and reducing sugars. The crude extract exhibited toxicity in A. cepa in a time and concentration dependent manner. The highest root growth inhibition was observed at exposure time 72 h in 20% (v/v) concentration extract of the herb. The extract at low concentration (2.5 and 5%) reduced the root growth inhibition capacity at 48 h in comparison to 24 and 72 h, possibly by adaptation of DNA damage profile in the eukaryotic test system (A. cepa), which was further confirmed in anti-inflammatory and membrane stabilizing, and anti-atherothrombosis test. In the latter cases, the extract at 0.02–0.08% (v/v) significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001) inhibited protein denaturation, membrane lysis, while enhanced clotlysis capacity in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, the extract exerted toxic effects at high concentrations and protective effects at low concentrations. T. trilobatum may be one of the potential sources of phytotherapeutic agents, especially for the treatment of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases and disorders.