Comparative Phytochemical Analysis And In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Effects Of Aqueous And Ethanol Extracts Of Garcinia Cambogia (Garcinia) In Animal Models
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/ejac.v19i1.1096Keywords:
Garcinia cambogia, Anti-inflammatory activity, Phytochemical analysis, Carrageenan-Induced paw edema, Cytokine levels, HistopathologyAbstract
Background: Garcinia cambogia, a tropical fruit widely used in traditional medicine, has demonstrated various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory properties. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the phytochemical composition and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Garcinia cambogia in an animal model.
Methods: The plant material was collected and authenticated, and aqueous and ethanol extracts were prepared using standardized methods. Phytochemical analysis was conducted to identify the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolics, and hydroxycitric acid (HCA) using HPLC, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and GC-MS. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in rats using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model. The animals were divided into four groups: control, standard drug (diclofenac), aqueous extract, and ethanol extract. Edema volume was measured at 0, 1, 3, and 6 hours post-treatment. Cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α) were assessed using ELISA, and histological analysis was performed on paw tissue sections stained with H&E.
Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed that the ethanol extract contained higher concentrations of flavonoids, phenolics, and HCA compared to the aqueous extract. The ethanol extract exhibited a significant reduction in paw edema volume, with a decrease from 1.2 mL (pre-treatment) to 0.7 mL at 6 hours. The aqueous extract showed a moderate reduction in edema, with a final volume of 0.8 mL at 6 hours. Cytokine analysis revealed a significant decrease in IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the ethanol extract group, similar to the standard drug group. Histological examination revealed minimal tissue damage and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the ethanol extract-treated group, compared to the control and aqueous extract groups.
Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Garcinia cambogia exhibited superior anti-inflammatory effects compared to the aqueous extract, which may be attributed to its higher content of polyphenolic compounds and HCA. These findings highlight the importance of solvent selection in maximizing the therapeutic potential of Garcinia cambogia extracts. Further studies are recommended to explore the underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance of these extracts in inflammatory diseases.
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