HPLC/MS Characterization and Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Algerian Medicinal Plant: Carthamus caeruleus L. Extracts

Carthamus caeruleus L. (Asteraceae) has been traditionally recognized for its wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and burn-relieving properties. The present study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and anti-inflammatory activity of hydromethanolic and chloroformic extracts derived from its rhizomes. The hydromethanolic extract exhibited higher total phenolic content (138.07 ± 0.15 µg GAE/mg) and flavonoid concentration (35.87 ± 0.02 µg QE/mg). Phytochemical analysis using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry identified key compounds including feruloylquinic acid, dihydro-p-coumaric acid glucoside, and a ferulic acid derivative (isomer I). Antioxidant activity was assessed via lipid peroxidation inhibition, cellular antioxidant activity, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and total antioxidant capacity. The hydromethanolic extract demonstrated strong lipid peroxidation inhibition (IC₅₀ = 1.47 ± 0.17 mg/mL), high total antioxidant capacity (100.01 ± 0.09 µg GAE/mg), moderate cellular antioxidant activity (12.49 ± 1.13%), and hydrogen peroxide scavenging at 450 µg/mL.Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro using LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and in vivo through carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. The extract inhibited nitric oxide production (IC₅₀ = 161 ± 0.36 µg/mL), reduced erythrocyte hemolysis (83.09 ±0.45 %), and protein denaturation (65.04 ± 1.86%) at 500 µg/mL. In vivo, a 53.57 ± 4.71% reduction in paw inflammation was observed at 1000 mg/kg. These findings support the traditional use of Carthamus caeruleus L. and highlight its potential as a source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Further studies are required to isolate active constituents and evaluate their therapeutic relevance.