SCIENTIFIC VALIDATION OF THE ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF STACHYTARPHETA URTICIFOLIA LEAF EXTRACTS

This study investigates the phytochemical composition and in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Stachytarpheta urticifolia leaf extracts. Leaves were extracted using ethanol and distilled water, followed by qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis. The results revealed the presence of major bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins. Quantitative analysis showed higher total phenolic content in the aqueous extract and higher flavonoid content in the ethanolic extract. Antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH assay indicated strong radical scavenging potential, particularly in the aqueous extract. Anti-inflammatory activity evaluated using the protein denaturation assay demonstrated significant inhibition by both extracts, comparable to standard diclofenac sodium. The findings suggest that S. urticifolia possesses potent antioxidantand anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its traditional medicinal use and highlighting its potential as a source of natural therapeutic agents.