Evaluation of Albumin Denaturation, and Phospholipase A2 (Pla2) Inhibition, and Phytochemical Composition of Methanol Leaf Extract of Psychotria Vogeliana, Benth (Rubiaceae)

Inflammation is a protective response elicited by physical, chemical, biochemical, and/or microbial assault on the body, which serves to prevent progression/escalation of injury. If the response is sufficient the body continues to operate normally, if the reaction is excessive a disease condition (inflammation) occurs which predisposes to various health disorders. Current treatment of inflammation includes immunosuppressant, steroidal, and nonsteroidal agents. Most of these are known to have sometimes serious side/adverse effects. Natural compounds from plants known to have pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory and are being used as alternatives. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanol leaf extract of Psychotria vogeliana. Acute toxicity study was conducted following the OECD guidelines 423 Annex 2C. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using albumin denaturation, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibition assay. Phytochemical analysis was conducted using spectrophotometric methods, and GC-FID. The LD50 of the extract is more than 5000 mg/kg. The extract contained bioactive compounds such as catechin, epicateechin, resvesterol, rutin, narigenin, kaempferol, flavonones, tannins, steroids and anthocynins. Anti-inflammatory evaluation showed activity comparable to that of diclofenac. Possible mechanism of action was identified as Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibition. The use of Psychotria vogeliana in traditional medicine for the management and treatment of inflammatory disorders is therefore justified.