In vitro Evaluation of Purple Inflorescence of Gomphrena globosa (L.) Extracts for Antiinflammatory Activity and its GC/MS Profile

The complex biological process that protects the body by triggering immune system for infection, injury or disease is called inflammation. When compared with acute inflammation, chronic inflammation lasts for weeks, months or years and cause tissue damage. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs play an important role in reducing pain and inflammation by blocking arachidonic acid metabolism through cyclooxygenase enzyme and thereby reducing the production of prostaglandins. Due to severe side effects associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, many researchers are focusing on plant secondary metabolite with no or less side effects. In Trinidad, Globe Amaranth is used to treat several ailments for scientific validation of the folklore claim of this plant the present study was conducted. Decoction and hydroalcoholic flower extracts (pink varieties) of G. globosa was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory activity. Albumin denaturation method, anti-proteinase action, HRBC membrane stabilization and protein denaturation methods were carried out. Aspirin and diclofenac sodium were used as standard drug. The results showed that decoction extract inhibited heat induced protein denaturation (p≤0.05), inhibited proteinase action and heat induced hemolysis of erythrocyte at 500μg/mL. Hypo tonicity induced hemolysis was also found to be significant with 68.42% of inhibition (p ≤0.05). The total phenol in decoction extract was 60mcg/mL and reducing power assay revealed significant antioxidant activity. The identification of bioactive compounds in hydroalcoholic extract was done using GC-MS. Earlier reports have showed that the compound 1, 2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis (2-ethylhexyl) ester possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. From the results, the decoction extract possess does dependent potent anti-inflammatory activity. This was plausibly due to phytoconstituents that acted individually or synergistically in exhibiting the potent activity.