Phytochemical screening, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethyl acetate extract of Combretum punctatum var. squamosum

Abstract

The objective of this study was to carry out the phytochemical screening of the ethyl acetate extract of Combretum punctatum var. squamosum and to investigate anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. The phytochemical investigation indicated the presence of flavonoids and steroids in the extract. Anti-inflammatory activity was studied by in vitro inhibition of albumin denaturation and HRBC membrane stabilization methods; in vivo cotton pellet induced granuloma and carrageenan-induced paw oedema studies. The anti-oxidant activity was studied by lipid peroxidation and DPPH radical scavenging activity assays.The ethyl acetate extract at different concentrations showed a significant percent inhibition of albumin denaturation and percent inhibition of haemolysis when compared with the standard. The extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. significantly reduced cotton pellet granuloma (P <0.001) and carrageenan paw oedema (P <0.05) when compared with the standard in rats.The extract at different concentrations also showed a significant percent inhibition of lipid peroxidation and DPPH when compared with the standard.Thus, the result indicates that the ethyl acetate extract exhibited significantly good anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities.