Investigation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Fractionated Extracts from Fruits of Knema globularia

Abstract

Knema globularia (Lam.) Warb is traditionally used in Vietnam, yet its pharmacological properties remain underexplored. This study investigated the phytochemical properties and biological activities of fractionated extracts from the fruits of this plant. Among the extrats, the chloroform extract (CE) exhibited high flavonoid content (37.81 ± 0.65 µg QE/mg) and polyphenol content of 98.62 ± 3.17 µg GAE/mg. In addition, the CE demonstrated potent antioxidant activity (IC50 = 13.62 ± 1.94 μg/mL) in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay with a total antioxidant capacity of 755 ± 15.75 µg AAE/mg. Regarding anti-inflammatory activity, n-hexane extract (HE) inhibited nitric oxide production (45.02 ± 2.72% at 100 µg/mL) in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage cells and inhibited protein aggregation with the value of 59.32 ± 1.19% at 25 µg/mL. These findings suggest that CE of K. globularia fruits may exhibit antioxidant properties, supporting the potential use of this plant’s fruit.