Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of a Medicinal Plant Recipe from Burkina Faso

Abstract

<i>Background:</i> Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are crucial factors in the development of various diseases, such as hepatitis and cancer. In the case of hepatitis, persistent inflammation of the liver contributes to cellular damage and progression to more severe stages of the disease. <i>Objective:</i> The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of a recipe, <i>Hepatib tiben,</i> traditionally used in the treatment of viral hepatitis B, and often associated with <i>Momordica charantia</i> in the treatment of liver cancer in Burkina Faso. <i>Material and Methods:</i> The recipe and associated plants were infused, macerated and the yields were evaluated and being freeze-dried. The extracts obtained were used to determine the total content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds by measuring the antioxidant activity through the FRAP, DPPH and ABTS methods and then the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory properties by inhibition of 15-LOX and COX 1 & 2. <i>Results: </i>The aqueous infusion of <i>Hepatib tiben</i> had the best yield, the highest content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, an antioxidant activity comparable to that of Rutin, by the FRAP method, DPPH and ABTS method. But the best antioxidant activity by FRAP method was observed with the DCM fraction. It is on the other hand the hydroalcoholic extract which had the best anti-inflammatory activity by the inhibition of the 15-LOX. Both Aqueous and Hydroalcoholic Extracts inhibited COX 1 & 2. <i>Momortica charantia</i> had high phenolic content and significant antioxidant activity by FRAP, DPPH and ABTS methods. <i>Conclusion:</i> These observations suggest that the recipe of traditional medicinal plants used in Burkina Faso could be beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and oxidative stress. Further studies are needed to identify the active compounds responsible for these activities and to assess their safety and clinical effectiveness.