PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF EUPHORBIA HIRTA: IMPLICATIONS FOR PHYSIOLOGICAL RECOVERY

Abstract

Euphorbia hirta is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat numerous conditions, particularly inflammation and pain. Its pharmacological properties justify scientifically evaluating its anti-inflammatory potential. This experimental study, conducted in Benin across the Atlantique and Zou departments, aimed to identify the primary phytochemical constituents and evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of hydroethanolic extracts from Euphorbia hirta leaves. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro using the bovine serum albumin denaturation inhibition assay, with indomethacin serving as the reference anti-inflammatory drug. Absorbance values were measured via spectrophotometry to determine the inhibition percentage. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed according to the methods of Raman and Harborne to identify the primary secondary metabolites present in the Euphorbia hirta extract. The hydroethanolic extracts of Euphorbia hirta demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity (analgesic, antipyretic, and antioxidant properties), reflecting a strong ability to inhibit protein denaturation. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, anthocyanins, leucoanthocyanins, quinone derivatives, steroids, triterpenoids, free anthracene compounds, and reducing compounds, which may contribute to this biological activity. These findings confirm the potential of Euphorbia hirta as a natural source of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. They support its potential application in developing natural post-exercise recovery strategies and encourage the utilization of local medicinal plants in health and sports medicine. However, in vivo studies and clinical trials remain necessary to validate these effects and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.