Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of diverse extracts of Millettia peguensis leaves

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts of Millettia peguensis leaves. Leaf extracts of Millettia peguensis were prepared using chloroform, methanol, and aqueous. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats by measuring paw thickness over time. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. Phytochemical analysis was conducted to identify bioactive compounds present in the extracts. All extracts showed a reduction in paw edema compared to the control group. The aqueous extract demonstrated a significant reduction by the third hour post-injection, while methanol and chloroform extracts exhibited significant inhibition by the fourth hour, although their efficacy was lower than the indomethacin-treated positive control group. By the fifth hour, the aqueous and methanol extracts achieved results comparable to indomethacin. Antioxidant activity assays revealed that methanol and aqueous extracts exhibited higher antioxidant activity than chloroform extract, highlighting the role of polar compounds. Phytochemical analysis identified the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds, with phenolics likely contributing to the observed bioactivities. The findings suggest that Millettia peguensis leaf extracts, particularly the aqueous and methanol extracts, possess significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, likely due to the presence of phenolic compounds. The study emphasizes the importance of solvent choice in extracting bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications.