SCIENTIFIC EVALUATION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY POTENTIAL OF HERBAL PLANT THROUGH IN VITRO AND IN VIVO STUDIES

Background: Martynia annua is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders owing to its rich phytochemical composition and therapeutic potential. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity, and in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of Martynia annua seed extract. Methods: The seeds were extracted successively with petroleum ether and methanol using Soxhlet extraction. Preliminary phytochemical screening and quantitative estimation of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were performed. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by the protein denaturation method, while in vivo activity was investigated using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. Acute oral toxicity was performed according to OECD guidelines. Results: The methanolic extract was rich in alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, proteins, and carbohydrates, with a total phenolic content of 54 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content of 17.66 mg RE/g. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 50.47 µg/mL and demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation (IC₅₀ = 66.74 µg/mL). In vivo, the extract significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema, with 42% inhibition at 200 mg/kg, comparable to the standard drug ibuprofen. Acute toxicity studies indicated that the extract was safe up to 2000 mg/kg. Conclusion: Martynia annua methanolic extract possesses significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which may be attributed to its rich phenolic and flavonoid content. These findings support its traditional use and suggest its potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.