In-vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of herbal elixir containing Crocus Sativus and Nigella Sativa

Background Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are interlinked and associated with several major diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although modern pharmacotherapy is effective, issues such as high cost, side effects, and limited accessibility—particularly in underdeveloped regions—have driven interest in herbal alternatives. Elixirs, as sweetened hydro-alcoholic solutions, offer an effective delivery system for herbal drugs. Objective To formulate and evaluate a herbal elixirs containing Crocus sativus (saffron) and Nigella sativa (black seed) for its in-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Methods A hydro-alcoholic (40%) elixirs were prepared using different ratios of coarsely powdered C. sativus stigmas and N. sativa seeds, based on clinically used doses. Formulations were filtered after 48 hours and sweetened with 0.075 g sodium saccharin. Physicochemical parameters (viscosity and pH) were measured. Antioxidant activity was evaluated via hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging assay; anti-inflammatory activity was assessed through inhibition of egg albumin denaturation assay. Results Among all formulations, F2 elixir demonstrated significant antioxidant activity with 55 ± 0.23% inhibition at a 4 ml dose, comparable to ascorbic acid (56 ± 0.31% at 20 mg/ml). It also showed >50% inhibition of protein denaturation, with effects comparable to 60 µg/ml of diclofenac sodium. Conclusion The F2 herbal elixir exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in-vitro. These findings support that it could be cost-effective and accessible alternatives or adjuncts to conventional therapies for controlling oxidative stress and inflammation-related disorders.