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Clinical Phytoscience

International Journal of Phytomedicine and Phytotherapy

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Evaluation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency of Lepidium pinnatifidum Ledeb

Clinical Phytoscience volume 6, Article number: 21 (2020) Cite this article

Abstract

Backgroound

Lepidium pinnatifidum is a multipurpose, beneficial plant and known well for its indigenous therapeutic standards. Current study is aimed to investigate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency of Lepidium pinnatifidum.

L. pinnatifidum dried powder was extracted with crude methanol (LPM) and then fractionated with various solvents to get respective fractions, termed as, n-hexane (LPH), chloroform (LPC), ethyl acetate (LPE), butanol (LPB) and the aqueous fraction (LPA). Fractions were evaluated for total flavonoid and phenolic content. Antioxidant profile was quantified via an array of antioxidant assays. Anti inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro, and further assessed by in vivo study in Sprague Dawley rat.

Result

Total phenolics (TPC) range from 48.15 ± 1.03–241.23 ± 1.07 mg GAE/g while total flavonoids (TFC) quantified were 16.32 ± 1.14–136.32 ± 1.14 mg RE/g. The in vitro antioxidant assays exhibited remarkable radicals scavenging action in different assays. Substantial positive correlation was instituted between TPC, TFC and various antioxidant assays. Inhibition of the heat induced protein denaturation reflected anti inflammatory potency, further supported by in vivo carrageenan induced paw edema.

Conclusion

The obtained results lead to suggesting the therapeutic perspective of L. pinnatifidum in oxidative stress and inflammation associated ailments. The bio active ingredients behind its potential protectivity needs to be further confirmed.

Background

The grounds of the poisonous possessions of O2 were obscure really, before the free radical theory of O2 toxicity of Gershman, which describes that toxicity of O2 is because of partly reduced oxygen species. Free radicals have instable and reactive lone electron in their outer shell that can make them to strike specific biomolecules [1]. In human body, two little rascal species explicitly reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species are responsible of oxidative stress in the various pathophysiological conditions [2]. Continued oxidative stress may result in eternal damage to the vital organs of body, that could ultimately lead to the chronic disorders and premature aging [3, 4]. Antioxidants are species that quench or inhibit free radical bioreactions as well as delay or inhibit cellular damage [5].

Inflammation is considered as multifaceted biological reaction in response to injurious stimuli like pathogens, damaged tissues and irritants. However, inflammatory progressions also lead to the onset or maintains of severe disorders [6]. Despite the arsenal of current medications, therapeutics is often not effective enough or intolerable side effects hampered the progress. Thus, discovering new anti inflammatory compounds still own a great demand on researchers in academia and industry. Inflammation and pain consider as common illness in society associated with many other diseases [7]. Inflammation basically enhance pain by causing damage to pain receptors result in abnormal functioning [8].

Lepidium pinnatifidum Ledeb. a member of Brassicaceae family, is found in central Asia and Europe. Its leaves and seeds both are known to have medicinal values. L. pinnatifidum is used in many populations as an alleviator in constipation. It is well known for its positive effects in piles. Seeds of this herb are very effective in painful menstruation in women [8]. Its leaves are cooked as nutritious vegetable, which reflects its non toxic nature. The current study was designed to investigate anti oxidative and anti inflammatory potential of L. pinnatifidum.

Methods

Plant collection

L. pinnatifidum whole plant was collected from Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, identified from Dr. Zafar, department of Plant sciences, Quaid i Azam university (QAU) Islamabad, and 175,701 accession number was assigned from herbarium of Pakistan, QAU Islamabad.

Preparation of extract and fractionation

The whole plant was wiped properly and dried under shade. Two kilo gram ground plant material was soaked in the methanol for 7 days and filtered, filtrate termed as LPM. Next was fractionation to separate plant’s compounds, from the crude extract, according to their polar contents. 50 g of crude extract was mixed in 200 m litre distilled water. n-hexane (C6H6), chloroform (CHCl3), ethyl-acetate (C4H8O2) and butanol (C4H9OH) were added correspondingly to obtain respective fractions. At the end, residues left in separating funnel, were termed as aqueous fraction. All the fractions were collected, evaporated, quantified and finally kept at 4 °C for further use.

Quantitative phytochemicals analysis

Total phenolic content

Total phenolics present in plant fractions were investigated by using Folin Ciocalteu methodology [9]. 1 ml of plant fraction dissolved in methanol was added in 1.5 ml of Folin ciocalteu reagent, diluted up to 10 folds. Then 1.2 ml of 7.5% Na2CO3 was mixed and mixture was placed at 27 °C for 90 min. The absorbance of mixture was checked by using ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer, at wavelength of 760 nm. Using gallic acid as standard molecule, result articulation was done as milli gram equivalent of gallic acid.

Total flavonoids content

The content of total flavonoids was evaluated by following aluminium chloride (AlCl3) colorimetric method used by Baba and Malik [10]. One milli litre of plant fractions (one mg/ml ethanol) were assorted thoroughly with four milli litre distilled H2O and 0.3 ml of sodium carbonate (5%) solution respectively, then after 5 min of incubation, 0.3 ml aluminium chloride solution (10%) was put in the mixture and placed for 6 min. At last 1 mol/l sodium hydroxide solution was put in, and final volume was raised up to 10 ml by addition of distilled H2O. After 15 min, absorbance was reserved at 510 nm in Ultraviolet – Visible spectrophotometer. The TPC was measured by calibration curve using standard values of rutin. Results were articulated as mg rutin per gram equivalents dry weight.

In vitro antioxidant assessment

DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) radicals scavenging assay

Scavenging DPPH by plant fractions was measured by procedure used by Alam et al. [11] Stock solution was set by using 100 ml methanol and adding 24 mg of DPPH in it, this solution was placed at 20 °C. Optical density of this solution was measured and maintained at 0.908 (± 0.02), at 517 nm, by using methanol to dilute stock solution. 100 micro litre plant sample and 900 μl of DPPH solution were mixed thoroughly and incubated for about 15 min in dark, at 37 °C. In ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer absorbance was taken at 517 nm. The ascorbic acid was positive control and antioxidant potential was calculated by formula given in eq. 1.

$$ \mathrm{Scavenging}\ \mathrm{effect}\ \left(\%\right)=\frac{\left[\ \mathrm{control}\ \mathrm{absorbance}-\mathrm{sample}\ \mathrm{absorbance}\right]}{\left[\mathrm{control}\ \mathrm{absorbance}\right]} \times 100 $$

Hydroxyl free radicals scavenging assay

Scavenging ability of free hydroxyl radical was examined by Choi et al. methodology [12]. To do so following procedure was carried out. 500 μl deoxyribose (2.8 mM) was mixed in phosphate buffer (50 mM) having pH value of 7.4, 200 μl of 100 mM FeCl3 and 100 μl EDTA (0.1 M) was put in reaction mixture. Next,100 μl hydrogen per oxide (200 mM) and plant sample (100 μl) are added.

Volume of 100 micro litre ascorbic acid 300 mM was put in reaction mixture and allowed to incubate at room temperature for 60 min. Then one ml, 2.8% TCA and one ml, 10% w/v TBA prepared in sodium hydroxide (50 mM) was mixed and placed in water bath for 15 min. On cooling, 532 nm wavelength was used to measure optical density. Radical neutralizing power was quantified using given formula.

$$ \mathrm{Scavenging}\ \mathrm{Activity}\ \left(\%\right)=\frac{\left[1-\mathrm{Sample}\ \mathrm{Absorbance}\right]\ }{\left[\mathrm{Control}\ \mathrm{Absorbance}\right]} \times 100 $$

Nitric oxide scavenging assay

Scavenging potential of each fraction was assessed by procedure used by Anu and Usha [13]. It was done by taking sodium nitroprusside (100 μl, 10 mM) in saline phosphate buffer and intermixed with plant sample (100 μl). Sodium-nitroprusside generate nitric oxide radicals that interact with oxygen and give rise to nitrite ion specie, which can be detected by Griess reagent. After 3 h of incubation 1 ml of Griess reagent was added. Griess reagent is made by taking equal volume of sulfanil-amide (1%) in phosphoric acid (5%) and naphthylethylene diamine di-hydrochloride (0.1%) in distilled water. The absorbance was taken at 546 nm in UV – Visible spectrophotometer. Scavenging power was measured by formula given in equation one.

Chelating power assay

Aptitude of chelating iron (II) of plant fractions was assessed by following Karatoprak et al. [14] Plant samples were mixed in methanol and serial dilutions were made. 200 μl of plant aliquot was blended with methanol (900 μl) plus FeCl2.2H2O (100 μl, 2 mM) and incubated for 5 min. 400 μl ferrozine (5 mM) was put in reaction solution and left to incubate for 10 min. By using UV – Visible spectrophotometer absorbance was read at 562 nm wavelength Chelating potency was quantified by using formula given in equation one.

Reducing power assay

Protocol of Phatak and Hendre was trailed to determine reducing activity of plant fractions [15]. About 2 ml plant sample is mixed in 2 ml phosphate buffer (0.2 M) of pH 6.5. Volume of 2 m litre potassium ferricyanide (10 mg/l) is added in mixture. After 20 min incubating at fifty degree centigrade, trichloroacetic acid (2 ml, 10%) was mixed in it. Then centrifugation was done at 3000 rpm speed for 10 min. After centrifugation 2 m litre supernatant was taken gently and diluted by adding two milli litre D. W and 0.5 ml (0.1%) FeCl3. After 10 min, UV–Visible spectrophotometer was used to take absorbance at 700 nm. And gallic acid was standard in this assay.

Phosphomolybdenum assay

Antioxidant potency of plant fractions was evaluated by phospho-molybdenum assay by Hossain and Shah [16]. In eppendorf 100 μl of plant aliquots were allowed to mix with 1000 μl of reagent containing sodium phosphate (28 mM), 4 mM of ammonium molybdate [(NH4)2MoO4] and sulfuric acid (0.6 M). After mixing eppendorfs were incubated in water bath at 90 °C for 90 min, to prevent direct exposure of light eppendorfs were covered by aluminium foil. After incubation, the reaction mixture is allowed to cool at normal temperature and absorbance was taken at 765 nano meters. Ascorbic acid was proceeded as a standard.

ß-carotene bleaching assay

Antioxidant dimension of plant’s fractions was determined by betacarotene bleaching methodology used by Hatami et al. [17] Amount of two milli gram ß carotene was added in chloroform (10 ml) to make ß carotene solution. 200 mg of Tween 80 and linoleic acid were added in this solution and chloroform was evaporated from it. Volume of 50 ml of D. W was mixed in reacting mixture and vortexed strongly to have a uniformed emulsion made by ß carotene linoleate. Volume of 250 μl of that emulsion was taken and mixed with 30 μl plant sample (30 μl). Immediately optical density was checked at 470 nm. For 2 h mixtures were placed at 45 °C in water bath and absorbance was read again. In this assay catechin served as a standard.

$$ \mathrm{Bleaching}\ \mathrm{inhibition}\%=\left[\left\{\mathrm{AA}(120)-\mathrm{AC}\ (120)\right\}/\left\{\mathrm{AC}(0)-\mathrm{AC}(120)\right\}\right]\times 100 $$

Here, AA (120); sample absorbance on 120 min, AC (120) and AC (0); control absorbance on 120 and 0 min respectively.

In vitro anti-inflammatory assay

Anti-inflammatory potency was calculated in accordance to the protocol of Kulkarni et al. [8]. Reaction blend comprising of test sample and aqueous soln. of bovine albumin (1%) was incubated at 37 °C (20 min) and then at 51 °C (20 min). Absorbance was measured at 660 nm using spectrophotometer. Loprin was standard drug used and test was performed in triplicate. Following formula used to determine inhibition percentage of protein denaturing.

$$ \mathrm{Inhibition}\ \mathrm{of}\%\mathrm{denaturation}=\left[\mathrm{Abs}\ \mathrm{of}\ \mathrm{Control}-\mathrm{Abs}\ \mathrm{of}\ \mathrm{sample}/\mathrm{Abs}\ \mathrm{of}\ \mathrm{control}\right]\ \mathsf{x}100 $$

In vivo studies

Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes were of almost 6 weeks old rats about 150–200 g weight maintained at standardized laboratory conditions at primate facility of the QAU, Islamabad. Rats had ad libitum access to water and basal chow. Ethical Committee of QAU, Islamabad permitted study design, for animal’s care and experimentation.

Acute-toxic studies

Female Sprague Dawley rats (Rattus novergicus) weighted 150 g - 180 g were separated in 3 groups, randomly, 3 rats in each. Rats were administered orally with LPM, LPH, LPC, LPE, LPB and LPA at varied doses (250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, 2000 mg/ kg, 3000 mg/kg and 4000 mg/kg) in the morning. The animals were observed for any change in physical appearance, irregular behaviour and mortality after 30 min for 6 h then after 24 h for 15 days. Given doses did not produce any behavioural irregularity or mortality.

Anti inflammatory activity

To find out the anti inflammatory potency of plant, carrageenan mediated hind paw edema was trailed in this study [18]. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (150–200 g) were separated randomly in to 15 groups; each containing 7 animals. Volume of normal paw was measured before experimentation. Group I was given saline (1%) and diclofenac potassium (10 mg/kg) was given to Group-II. Animals of remaining groups were treated with plant fraction dosage of 10, 200, and 400 mg/kg at fasting. Carrageenan 1 ml/kg (1% in saline w/v) was injected in hind paw, about 30 min earlier to dose administration. Digital plethysmometer was used to measure paw volume instantly after injecting carrageenan (0 h) and repeated after every 1 h up to 4 h. Paw edema volume of each rat was calculated and percentage inhibition of every groups was measured.

$$ \mathrm{EV}=\mathrm{PVA}-\mathrm{PVI} $$

EV; edema volume, PVI; initial paw volume, PVA; paw volume after injecting carrageenan

$$ \mathrm{Edema}\ \mathrm{inhibition}\%=\frac{\mathrm{EVc}-\mathrm{Et}}{\mathrm{EVc}}\times 100 $$

EVc; Control group edema volume, EVt; Sample group edema volume.

Statistical analysis

Whole data is presented as mean ± SD. In vitro analysis contained triplicate evaluation while seven animals were used for each in vivo group. The Graph Pad Prism 5 was used for in vitro activities, for assessing correlation and IC50. Statistix 8.1 (1-way analysis of variance) was used for in vivo investigation. Observed significance level was p ≤ 0.05 for in vitro and p ≤ 0.01 for the in vivo analysis.

Results

The 50 g yield was obtained from 1.5 kg whole plant powder of the L. pinnatifidum by commercial methanol extraction procedure. An amount of 40 g of total methanolic extract, labelled as LPM, was fractionated via liquid-liquid partition in ascending order of polarity of different solvents. Various solvents exhibited following order during fractionation: LPA > LPH > LPB > LPC > LPE as shown in Fig. 1b.

Fig. 1
figure1

Fractionation chart of L. pinnatifidum

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Quantitative analysis

Evaluation of phenolic and flavonoid contents

LPE exhibited maximum quantity of phenolics (241.23 ± 1.07 mg GAE/g dry extract) followed by LPB (197.28 ± 1.11 mg GAE/g dry extract as Table 1 is illustrating. LPC found to have 161.29 ± 0.61, LPA 129.09 ± 1.01 and LPH fraction 48.152 ± 1.03 mg GAE/g dry extract of phenolics. Likewise, LPE fraction is found to be rich in flavonoids followed by LPB, LPM, LPC, LPA and LPH as shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Total flavonoid and phenolic contents of L. pinnatifidum
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DPPH radicals scavenging activity

Values for IC50 of DPPH radical quenching activity of L. pinnatifidum fractions are shown in Table 2. Finest values for IC50 is exhibited by LPE (62.703 ± 2.1 μg/ml). Overall, order of IC50 of LPE < LPB < LPC < LPC < LPA < LPH is observed. Concentration dependent activity is observed as shown in Fig. 1a.

Table 2 IC50 values of different antioxidant activities of L. pinnatifidum fractions
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Hydroxyl radicals scavenging assay (HRS)

In this assay, all fractions of L. pinnatifidum quenched •OH radicals and halted 2- deoxyribose breakdowns. A concentration dependent pattern is noticed for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (Fig. 2). Lowermost IC50 values are shown by LPE. Overall pattern of LPE > LPB > LPM > LPC > LPA > LPH for hydroxyl radical quenching activity is noticed (Table 2).

Fig. 2
figure2

Hydroxyl radical assay of L. pinnatifidm methanol extract and its fractions

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Nitric oxide scavenging assay

In this study, the lowermost IC50 value for nitric oxide foraging action is recorded by LPE (276 ± 1.9 μg/ml). IC50 value for another fraction LPA and LPH is; (534.27 ± 1.9 μg/ml) and (610.34 ± 2.4 μg/ml) respectively as revealed in Table 2. The dose dependant pattern of percentage inhibition as shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3
figure3

Nitric oxide radical scavenging assay L. pinnatifidm methanol extract and its fractions

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Iron chelating activity

The iron chelating action of L. pinnatifidum fractions was assessed. IC50 values are given in Table 2. Our study showed LPE as best chelating potential of iron ions, followed by LPM and LPB. The percentage inhibition of various fractions is shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4
figure4

Iron Chelating assay of L. pinnatifidm methanol extract and its fractions

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Reducing power assay

LPE exhibited maximum reducing power with 987.97 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g sample measured at 250 μg/ml of extract concentration, as illustrated in Fig. 5. It was followed by LPB (943.81 mg) and LPM (918.70 mg). Correlation is highly significant with both TPC (R2 = 0.9119**) and TFC (R2 = 0.9775***) shown in Table 3.

Fig. 5
figure5

Reducing assay of L. pinnatifidm methanol extract and its fractions

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Table 3 Correlation of IC50 values of different antioxidant activities of L. pinnatifidum with total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents
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Phosphomolybdenum assay

Plant fractions were evaluated for total antioxidant ability by phosphomolybdate assay. Antioxidant capacity was exhibited as ascorbic acid equivalent (mg/g extract). LPE showed maximum antioxidant potency and LPH showed least. Different fractions exhibited antioxidant potential in following order LPE > LPB > LPM > LPC > LPA > LPH, exhibited in Fig. 6.

Fig. 6
figure6

Total antioxidant assay of L. pinnatifidm methanol extract and its fractions

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β-Carotene scavenging activity

LPE exhibits lowest value of IC50 (95.93 ± 2.19 μg/ml) as equated to remaining fractions. Catechin was used as standard and exhibited IC50 60.75 ± 0.88 μg/ml as given in Table 2. Bleaching power is dependent on concentration of sample and observed activity is shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 7
figure7

ß-carotene assay of L. pinnatifidm methanol extract and its fractions

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Correlation studies

Antioxidant potency determined through various assays and executed IC50 values (μg/ml) were used to find out their correlation with TPC and TFC. All assays showed substantially positive correlation with the TFC and TPC. Hydroxyl scavenging assay exhibited highly significant correlation with total phenolic content (R2 = 0.9453*** p < 0.001) and total flavonoid content (R2 = 0.9677*** p < 0.001). Reducing power, Iron chelating and nitric oxide assay showed more significant correlation with total flavonoid content (p < 0.001), as shown in Table 3.

In vitro anti inflammatory activity

The anti-inflammatory activity of L. pinnatifidum methanol extract and its fractions was estimated in vitro through inhibiting capacity of albumin denaturation. All fractions were vigorous in the inhibiting heat mediated albumin denaturation at various concentrations as given in Table 4. IC50 value in order LPH > LPE > LPM > LPC > LPB and LPA also showed inhibition of protein denaturation.

Table 4 Effect of L. pinnatifidum on heat induced protein denaturation at 600 nm
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Estimation of acute toxicity

Methanol extract of L. pinnatifidum found nontoxic at all the tested doses and did not show any deadly sign in rats. No morbidity and mortality were detected.

In vivo bioassays

Anti inflammatory potential

In vivo anti inflammatory capacity by method of carrageenan provoked paw edema demonstrated in the Table 5. Current study proposed that anti inflammatory capacity of different used fractions was time dependent and it turn to maximum after 3rd h. Results indicated that LPH and LPE revealed significant anti-inflammatory activity and also exhibited substantial decrease in %age edema at 2nd, 3rd and 4th hour relative to all other fractions. LPH and LPE at 400 mg/kg concentration showed significant activity close to diclofenac potassium. LPB and LPC fractions also slightly inhibited the edema development. After 1st hour of carrageenan administration various fractions displayed edema inhibition in the following order LPH > LPE > LPM > LPC > LPB and LPA at 400 mg/kg concentration.

Table 5 Effect of L. pinnatifidum on carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats
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Discussion

Synthetic medication has many deleterious side effects on human body, that’s why new era is being shifted towards natural therapeutic system for curing various disorders. Antioxidants are key players in the prevention of several diseases. There is increased demand of natural products derived antioxidants because of their protective capacity against illness. Phenolics are bio-active compounds which account for a wide array of pharmacological actions including anti-oxidant, sedating, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing as well as antimicrobial properties [19]. Among these properties, antioxidant potential, particularly, depends on number and orientation of hydroxyl groups in the phenolics. Phenolic antioxidants donate one or more H- atoms to lipid radicals to produce lipid derivatives and other radical species which are relatively more stable and quite less available to initiate autoxidation [20]. Folin Ciocalteu technique to investigate total phenolic contents is based on the formation of coloured product by molybdo-tungsto-phosphoric reagent mediated oxidation of phenol. Total phenolic contents in ethyl acetate fraction were highest among other fractions, while n-hexane showed least which is in accordance to many other studies. The highest (78.9 ± 1.7 mg GAE/g) total phenolic contents, in Carissa opaca fruits, was noted in LPE, ethyl acetate extract while n-Hexane fraction (25.8 ± 2.8) showed lowest TPC [21].

Flavonoids are present in mesophyll’s nuclei and within ROS generating centres. Flavonoids are major contributors in plant’s pigments and well known for cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. To determine total flavonoid content, aluminium chloride chlorimetric method is used in which a stable complex is formed between AlCl3, keto and OH− group of flavonoid molecules. The ethyl acetate extract showed highest flavonoid content, while hexane extract was least rich in flavonoids. In another study methanolic extract (48.54 ± 2.9 mg RE/g) of Monotheca buxifolia fruit showed highest flavonoid contents while lowest 4.110 ± 0.51 was shown by hexane fraction (Jan et al., 2013) [22].

To find out the antioxidant ability of L. pinnatifidum series of antioxidant assays was carried out. DPPH radical stabilizing activity is one of crucial assessment of antioxidant potentcy of pure compounds or crude plant extract [23]. DPPH, a violet coloured crystalline powder, change its colour from purple to yellow on reduction. Extent of colour alteration depends on scavenging action of pure compound or antioxidants present in crude extract [24]. Scavenging potential of plant is the characteristic of phenolics and flavonoids present in plant. In general, polar solvents like ethyl acetate are rich in flavonoids and phenolic contents and exhibit good scavenging potential. L. pinnatifidum ethyl acetate fraction displayed maximum scavenging ability against DPPH.

Hydroxyl radical is a powerful reactive oxygen specie present in living systems, interacting with several poly-unsaturated molecules of cellular membrane causing harm to living cells [25]. HRS assay is aimed to find out scavenging activity of free OH radicals in presence of various concentrations of plant sample. The assay is based on ascorbic acid-Fe-EDTA model of OH radical generating system. The LPE fraction exhibited good scavenging activity with minimum IC50. With TPC and TFC, a significant correlation was determined indicating good ability of L. pinnatifidum to scavenge hydroxyl free radical. In nitric oxide assay pink colour of solution is due to nitrite ions, and element with nitrite quenching potency can stop nitrite ion production by utilizing free oxygen. LPE exhibited highest results compared to other fractions, and correlation was also significant with TFC and TPC. The reason behind this activity is that LPE fraction is rich in phenolics and polyphenolics, and such compounds own effective ability nitrite free radicals quenching.

Ferrozine can chelate quantitatively with Fe2+ to make complex of red colour. This reaction is restricted if another chelating agent is present, leading to decline in colour of ferrozine-Fe2+ complex (red). Quantification of this decline estimates the chelating potency for ferrous ions, to compete with ferrozine. The antioxidants moieties in plant extract make a coordinate composite with metal ions and obstruct transfer of electrons. Hence, oxidation reaction is halted and no more free radicals are generated. In our study, it was observed that LPE displayed highly potent results with lowest IC50.

Potassium ferricyanide reduction method was utilized to determine reducing potency of L. pinnatifidum. Reducing Fe [(CN)6]3 into Fe [(CN)6]2 give rise to development of intensed Perl’s prussian blue colour complex. LPE fraction displayed the maximum value of reducing power in comparison with ascorbic acid. Observed correlation was significant with TPC and TFC. The total antioxidant assessment depends on reducing process of Molybdic acid by plant extract and generation of coloured (green) phosphate/Molybdenum (V) complex, subsequently, at an acidic pH. Current study revealed that maximum results are exhibited by LPE followed by LPB. Correlation is found to be significant with total phenolic and flavonoid content. In β-carotene bleaching assay, β-carotene and linoleic acid classical system is utilized to evaluate plant extract’s antioxidant activity, spectrophotometrically by the virtue of discoloration of β-carotene. During incubation at 45 °C, a hydrogen atom (H), in diallylic ethylene group of linoleic acid, is removed to generate free radical species of linoleic acid. This specie then attacked on β-carotene, causing its molecules to be broken down. As a consequence, highly unsaturated β-carotene molecules lost their chromophore. When antioxidant entities are introduced into the system, linoleate-free radical species are being neutralized and hence affect the extent of β-carotene oxidation [26]. The antioxidant capacity of plant fractions was correlated with phenolics and flavonoid content. In case of HRS assay highly significant correlation is observed with total phenolics and flavonoids, while other assays also represent substantial correlation with phenolics and flavonoids. This illustrated that plant has a considerable antioxidant potential. Ethyl acetate fraction in our study showed highest bleaching reduction potential. Plant’s antioxidant repertoire could be owed to the aforementioned lushness in flavonoid and polyphenols. Such compounds are acknowledged by their chemical assembly and redox property, that might have central part in scavenging free radicals and chelating transition metals [27].

Oxidative tension can be overcome through anti-oxidant species. Such species neutralize the rascal oxidative species as well as repair the cellular damage done by oxidative stress. Food containing phenolics, like polyphenol, is verified source of antioxidant species. And has potent role in combating oxidative stress mediated aberrations [28]. The phenolic species may act by affecting transcription factors including Nuclear factor Erythroid 2 - Related Factor - 2 (Nrf2). Nrf 2, a leucine zipper protein is known for protecting cells in oxidative stress. In oxidative stressed cells Nrf2 binds to antioxidant binding regions of DNA and induce transcription of many cellular defence genes [29]. Dietary supplementation of hydroxy-tyrosol (polyphenol) to mice treated with high fat diet showed decreased oxidative stress in liver. This protective effect attributed to activation of Nrf2 which upregulate antioxidant enzymes [30]. In another study hydroxy-tyrosol recovered anti-oxidant enzymes in adipose tissues, which were depleted after high fat diet administration in mice. An activation of Nrf2 is proposed mechanism in this recovery of antioxidant enzymes [31].

Inflammation is a natural process to cope threats to cellular machinery. In several diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, active hepatitis, sinusitis and many other, use of synthetic anti-inflammatory agent to alleviate severity of these diseases has yielded many side effects. So, natural anti-inflammatory agents are gaining importance. We investigate L. pinnatifidum for anti-inflammatory potential. Carrageenan induced edema is commonly used protocol for detection of anti-inflammatory potential in drugs and plant extracts. Inducer injection cause the migration of leukocytes at target site. It showed its synergetic behaviour with inflammatory mediators such as histamine, bradykinin etc. Basically, it’s a biphasic mechanism of approximately 1–5 h. Initial event involved the formation of non-phagocytized edema, and release of histamine and bradykinin, proceeded to second phased excess production of prostaglandins and increased edema formation that may last for 4–6 h. L. pinnatifidum in present study revealed noticeable anti-inflammatory activity by its different fractions. LPH and LPE showed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity and this anti-oedematous activity might be due to its inhibitory potential on pro-inflammatory mediator’s release or synthesis. The anti-inflammatory action of L. pinnatifidum in phase-1 could be owed to possible clampdown of histamine signalling by mast cells stabilizing activity [32]. Inhibiting histamine h1 receptor as well as histidine decarboxylase transcription are also important in anti inflammatory action [33]. In phase-2 anti inflammatory action of extract increases and reaches its supreme at 6 h. This can be explained by probable inhibition of release and / or synthesis of lipoxygenase or cyclooxygenase (COX-2) products by the L. pinnatifidum extract. Cyclooxygenase is important to convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandin, by stimulation of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in 2nd inflammatory stage of carrageenan induced edema model [34].

Anti inflammatory action of L. pinnatifidum extract appears to be thoroughly correlated with richness in polyphenolic ingredients. Indeed, flavonoids have been known as compelling inhibitors of proinflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase, in several previous studies [34]. This action might be through changes of transcription factors level including Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB). It is a known oxidative stress marker. It also induces expression of pro inflammatory genes. A study showed that down regulation of NF-kB and other proinflammatory cytokines can yield to normalization of aberrant condition [35].

Peroxisomes proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors and important in inhibiting inflammatory cytokines. These are also involved in glucose and fatty acid metabolism. A study revealed that activation of PPARs lead to improvement in mitochondrial functioning, which was disturbed by oxidative stress and inflammation. Under inflammatory conditions mitochondrial biogenesis is suffered. PPARs normalize this tension by activation of citrate synthase and mitochondrial complex I and II activity [36]. They have role in downregulation of inflammatory genes [37], and are upregulated by polyphenols present in diet [38]. So the role of polyphenols is quite established in combating oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. A plant rich in such bio active compounds is of great importance as a safe alternative to synthetic therapeutic agents.

Conclusion

Current study recommended that occurrence of polyphenols and flavonoids along with other bio active ingredients might leads to the strong antioxidant profile and consequently lower down the inflammation inducing intermediaries. This study recommended a timely need of further pharmacokinetic analysis, characterization and purification of L. pinnatifidum extract for more effective drug designing.

Availability of data and materials

The data sets analysed during current study are available from corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

AA:

Ascorbic acid

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

LPA:

Aqueous fraction of LPM

LPB:

Butanol fraction of LPM

LPC:

Chloroform fraction of LPM

LPE:

Ethyl acetate fraction of LPM

LPH:

N-hexane fraction of LPM

LPM:

L. pinnatifidum methanol extract

TFC:

Total flavonoid content

TPC:

Total phenolic content

D.W:

Distilled water

Soln:

Solution

h:

hour

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledged Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rashid Khan, intensely, for his generous supervision and substantial facilitations of required materials and equipment.

Consent of publication

Not applicable in this study.

Funding

The research was carried as partial fulfilment of degree and is not funded by any foreign source.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, Quaid I Azam university, Islamabad, Pakistan
    • Saira Bibi
    • , Munazza Anwar
    • , Huma Farooque Hashmi
    •  & Muhammad Rashid Khan
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Contributions

MA, SB and HFH carried out collection of plant material, extract preparation and experimental work. SB wrote the manuscript. MRK invigilate, analysed and supervised the entire study. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Saira Bibi.

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Ethics approval

This study makes use of rats (Rattus novergicus), and the experimental protocol for the use of animal was approved by the ethical board of Quaid-i-AzamUniversity, Islamabad Pakistan.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interest.

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Bibi, S., Anwar, M., Hashmi, H.F. et al. Evaluation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency of Lepidium pinnatifidum Ledeb. Clin Phytosci 6, 21 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40816-020-00170-3

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Keywords

  • Lepidium pinnatifidum
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antioxidant
  • Flavonoids
  • Phenolics