In vitro Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Potential of Croton zambesicus and Murraya koenigii Root Extracts
Abstract
Background: The increasing prevalence of nephrotoxicity and inflammation-related disorders underscores the need for safe, effective, and affordable therapeutic alternatives. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Croton zambesicus and Murraya koenigii root extracts through in vitro assays, validating their traditional use and exploring their phytopharmacological relevance. Methods: Following maceration with ethanol and methanol, the extracts were subjected to phytochemical profiling, revealing the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and tannins. Quantitative analyses were performed for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, while anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated through protein denaturation and HRBC membrane stabilization assays. Results: Quantitative analyses showed higher total phenolic content in Croton zambesicus (142.3 ± 4.2 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content in Murraya koenigii (96.4 ± 2.9 mg QE/g). In the DPPH radical scavenging assay, both extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Croton zambesicus showed 80.74% inhibition and IC50 of 42.31 µg/ mL, while Murraya koenigii showed 75.36% inhibition with IC50 of 48.76 µg/mL. Ascorbic acid was used as the standard. For anti-inflammatory assessment, at 100 µg/mL, Croton zambesicus showed 76.34% inhibition of protein denaturation and 74.87% membrane protection; Murraya koenigii showed 71.85% and 70.14%, respectively. Diclofenac served as the reference standard. Conclusion: These findings confirm the significant in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of both extracts. The correlation with phytochemical constituents highlights their therapeutic promise in oxidative and inflammation-associated conditions such as nephrotoxicity. Further studies involving compound isolation and in vivo validation are warranted.