Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of Tapinanthus bangwensis leaves

Excessive production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species under pathological conditions contributes to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, both of which are central to the development of various diseases. Plant-derived antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents have gained attention for their potential in mitigating these processes. This study evaluated the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activities of Tapinanthus bangwensis leaf extracts using aqueous and acetone solvents. Phytochemical analyses revealed significantly higher total phenolic content (27.21±0.18 mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid content (18.69±0.31 mg QE/100 g) in the aqueous solvent compared to the acetone solvents. In antioxidants assays, total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and free radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS), consistently showed greater activity in the aqueous solvent. In anti-inflammatory assays, the aqueous solvent demonstrated significantly higher inhibition of protein denaturation in bovine serum albumin (IC50=64.56±2.34 µg/mL) and egg albumin denaturation (IC50=389.45±3.50 µg/mL). Conversely, the acetone solvent exhibited stronger activity in trypsin inhibition (IC50=425.50±12.45 µg/mL) and hypotonic solution-induced hemolysis (IC50=107.75±2.87 µg/mL) assays, suggesting the presence of distinct bioactive compounds with membrane-stabilizing and enzyme-inhibitory effects. The findings supported the traditional use of Tapinanthus bangwensis extracts in the management of diseases. Tapinanthus bangwensis leaf is a promising source of natural therapeutic agents that could be used to prevent oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.