Anti-inflammatory evaluation of HPLC-GC quantified phytochemicals from Acalypha indica L. using LPS-induced inflammation model.

backgroundInflammation is a crucial host defense mechanism; however, its prolonged activation contributes to the pathogenesis of respiratory infections. Acalypha indica L. (Haritamanjari), widely used in South Asia, has limited data available on its quantitative phytochemical profile.

objectiveThis study aimed to quantify the identified compounds phytol, gallic acid, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol of A. indica. Additionally, the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential of the crude extract, the n-hexane soluble fraction, and two selected phytochemicals (gallic acid and stigmasterol) was evaluated. METHODOLOGY: HPLC and GC analyses were performed to quantify four phytoconstituents in A. indica. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the LPS-induced rat model of inflammation. Serum cytokine levels such as IL-6 and TNF-α were also quantified using ELISA kits, and histopathological analyses of liver and lung tissues were performed.

resultsQuantitative analysis revealed stigmasterol (11.74 mg/g, 1.17%), β-sitosterol (10.88 mg/g, 1.08%), and gallic acid (12.58 mg/g (1.25%)) as major sterols and phenolic acids. Similarly, phytol was found to be 8.76 mg/g (0.87%) in the plant A. indica. The treatments of gallic acid (150 mg/kg b.wt.) and stigmasterol (100 mg/kg b.wt.) significantly reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels (p < 0.001) and restored tissue integrity, reducing inflammatory infiltration, vascular congestion, and edema.

conclusionA. indica and its bioactive constituents, particularly gallic acid and stigmasterol, exert significant anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, the n-hexane fraction emerges as a potential reservoir of naturally derived compounds with significant anti-inflammatory activity.