Bridging Phytochemistry and Pharmacology: Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Garcinia microphylla Merr Revealed By GC-MS Profiling, Cyclooxygenase Inhibition, and Catalase Activity
Abstract
Inflammation is a complex biological response associated with the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the release of inflammatory mediators. The development of anti-inflammatory agents from natural products with antioxidant properties can improve their safety and efficacy. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical constituents of the ethanolic extract of Garcinia microphylla Merr. stem bark and to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo. Phytochemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and anti-inflammatory activity was tested in vitro through cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition and in vivo through catalase activity in a rat model of carrageenan-induced peritonitis. Several dominant GC-MS compounds with reported anti-inflammatory activity included 2,6-dimethoxyhydroquinone, catechol, and psoralen. Ethanol extract of Garcinia microphylla can inhibit COX-1/2 with an IC50 value of 6.32 µg/mL, while standard sodium diclofenac can inhibit COX-1/2 with an IC 50 value of 5.96 µg/mL. The control group had the highest catalase activity with an average of 7.46 ± 1.44 kU. In contrast, the standard drug group showed lower catalase activity, namely 3.37 ± 1.06 kU. Administration of Garcinia microphylla extract resulted in catalase activity of 5.40 ± 1.50 kU in treatment group 1 (dose 20 mg/kg BW), 3.89 ± 0.64 kU in treatment group 2 (dose 40 mg/kg BW), and 3.88 ± 0.46 kU in treatment group 3 (dose 60 mg/kg BW). One-Way ANOVA analysis followed by Tukey’s post hoc test showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in catalase activity between the treatment and control groups. It can be concluded that the ethanol extract of Garcinia microphylla stem bark has the potential as an anti-inflammatory agent through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase and catalase activity, supported by its bioactive compound content.