Volume 12

July-September 2020​

Chelation activity, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide scavenging and anti-inflammmatory ‎properties of Algerian ‎Xanthium strumarium‎‎ leaf extracts

Thoraya Guemmaz, Lekhmici Arrar, Iman Namoune, Abderrahmane Baghiani

Abstract: 
Xanthium strumarium L., commonly known as cocklebur, is a species of annual plant belonging to the Compositae family. This plant is prescribed to treat bacterial infections, urticaria, arthritis, chronic bronchitis, rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, edema, lumbago, and other ailments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant properties of leaf extracts from Xanthium strumarium and the anti-inflammatory effect of its crude extract. In the present study, four extracts were prepared : crude extract (CrE), chloroformic extract (ChE), ethyl acetate extract (EAE) and aqueous extract (AqE). Their antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro by the use of chelation of ions and trapping hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide tests. Anti-inflammatory activity was tested by the induction of ear edema using two different molecules; xylene and croton oil. Carrageenan was used to induce paw edema in rats. Doses administrated in this test were 200, 400 and 600 mg / Kg.  Results showed that, in the case of antioxidant activity, CrE showed high efficiency in the iron chelation test (IC50 = 0.47 ± 0.008 mg / ml).  In the test of scavenging  hydroxyl radicals, EAE  displayed  the most potent antioxidant capacity (IC50 =  0.240 ± 0.0158 mg / ml). Whereas in the test of trapping hydrogen peroxide CrE extract was the more efficient (IC50 = 0.114 ± 0.001 mg / ml). Treatment with the crud extract of Xanthium strumarium shows significant inhibition of  the ear edema induced by xylene, this effect is comparable to that of aspirin. In addition, significant inhibition of ear edema induced by croton oil was observed in mice with values ​​significantly greater than that of indometacin. In the case of carrageenan-induced paw-edema in the rat, administered doses of Xanthium strumarium generally reduced edema. These results show that Xanthium strumarium possess antioxidant properties, and high anti-inflammatory activity, which explains its use in traditional medicine.

Keywords: Xanthium Strumarium, Polyphenols, Antioxidant Activity, Anti-Inflammatory Activity, Xylene, Croton Oil, Carrageenan.