Unveiling the anti-inflammatory power of Cajanus scarabaeoides seeds: In vitro evaluation, FTIR and LC-MS based analysis

The biological activity of various components of Cajanus Scarabaeoides holds considerable significance. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of C. scarabaeoides seed extracts to combat inflammation and identify their functional groups. In vitro assessments were conducted using human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assays, specifically Heat-induced hemolysis, and Hypotonicity-induced hemolysis, to determine the anti-inflammatory efficacy. Additionally, the in vitro antiarthritic activity was evaluated through the Egg albumin denaturation assay. The identification of functional groups was accomplished using FTIR analysis. Results demonstrated that the crude methanol extract (CME) of seeds exhibited robust membrane stabilizing activity for heat-induced hemolysis (74.31 ± 0.55 %) at 1.0 mg/ml, surpassing the effectiveness of diclofenac sodium (41.05 ± 0.23 %), which served as one of the standards with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of 546.14 ± 5.88 µg/ml. Similarly, in both hypotonicity-induced hemolysis and egg albumin denaturation assay, CME displayed the highest protective effect at 1.0 mg/ml (83.61 ± 1.91 % and 81.45 ± 0.18 % respectively) with an IC 50 of 129.86 ± 12.05 µg/ml, surpassing aspirin , and diclofenac sodium in terms of hypotonicity-induced hemolysis (79.83 ± 1.99 % and 61.23 ± 1.65 % respectively) and egg albumin denaturation assay (36.46 ± 0.16 % and 59.31 ± 0.18 % respectively) with IC 50 of 464.104 ± 6.19 µg/ml. All samples exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in HRBC membrane stabilization tests and antiarthritic tests. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of multiple functional groups in the tested seed extracts of C. scarabaeoides . LC-MS analysis of CME revealed the presence of 29 probable compounds. The findings of this study suggest that C. Scarabaeoides seeds possess anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, which implies that the plant's seed extract could be utilized in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. • Cajanus scarabaeoides seed extracts exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects in - vitro assays. • The crude methanol extract (CME) stabilized human red blood cell (HRBC) membranes and outperformed standard drugs like diclofenac sodium and aspirin in hemolysis assays. • Egg albumin denaturation assay confirmed the extract's anti-arthritic potential, showing dose-dependent efficacy. • FTIR and LC-MS analyses identified functional groups and bioactive compounds , including flavonoids and polyphenols, contributing to anti-inflammatory activity. • The study highlights the therapeutic potential of Cajanus scarabaeoides , validating its traditional use and supporting its role in natural drug development .