Phytochemical analysis, in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of selected medicinal plants of Nepal

Abstract

Nepalese medicinal plants were selected to study phytochemical presence, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of plants. Extraction was carried out by double maceration by ethanol and water. Phytochemical screening was performed by standard methods. Total phenol content was determined by Folin Ciocalteu method, flavonoid content was determined by aluminium chloride colorimetric method. The antioxidant activity was tested by DPPH free radical scavenging assay. In Vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity was performed by carrageenan induced rat hind paw edema and hot plate methods respectively. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, glycosides and carbohydrates. The ethanolic and aqueous extract of Viscum album showed total phenols content, total flavonoids content and has significant antioxidant activity. Similarly, the aqueous extract of Viscum album has dose dependent analgesic activity. Thus, medicinal plants possess different compounds with valuable antioxidant properties which can contribute to the development of modern medicines.