An insight into the Phytochemistry, antioxidant, anthelmintic, antipyretic, and hepatoprotective effects of Merremia vitifolia leaves: A trailblazing approach

Abstract

Background: Merremia vitifolia (M. vitifolia) is a medicinal plant that is traditionally used for treating high fever, inflammation, malaria, smallpox, and stomach problems. The present study aimed to assess the antioxidant, anthelmintic, hepatoprotective, and antipyretic effects of methanolic extracts of M. vitifolia leaves. Materials and Methods: The leaves of M. vitifolia were collected, washed, dried, and crushed to powder. The powder was soaked in methanol for 2 weeks and filtered to prepare methanolic extracts of leaves. The methanolic extract was subjected to evaluate antioxidant, anthelmintic, antipyretic, and hepatoprotective activities followed by published standard protocol. Results: Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolic compounds, and steroids in the methanolic extract of M. vitifolia leaves. These bioactive compounds contribute to its pharmacological activities. Compared to albendazole, the extract (100 mg/mL) caused paralysis and death in Pheretima posthuma in 3±1.4 and 8±3.21 minutes, respectively, in the anthelmintic experiment. The antipyretic study showed a significant dose-dependent reduction in fever, with the extract (400 mg/kg) lowering body temperature from 38.52 °C to 36.04 °C, similar to paracetamol (150 mg/kg). In hepatoprotective analysis, the extract (400 mg/kg) significantly reduced ALT, ALP, and AST levels to 51.69±4.95, 40.02±10.12, and 194.15±13.31 IU/L, respectively, suggesting hepatoprotective effects comparable to silymarin. The histopathological examination further confirmed improved liver architecture, supporting the biochemical findings. Conclusion: The results suggest that the crude methanolic extract of leaves of M. vitifolia possesses significant antioxidant, anthelmintic, antipyretic, and hepatoprotective activities. However, single compound isolation and their pharmacological evaluations are highly recommended to justify the traditional use of different plant parts of M. vitifolia.