Evaluation of the Phytochemical components and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of Eucalyptus camaldulensis

Phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids are known for their medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. This study analyzed the phytochemical composition of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaf extracts and evaluated its’ in vitro anti-inflammatory potential. Leaves of E. camaldulensis were collected, authenticated and extracted using 70% methanol. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were performed using standard protocols. Total phenolic content (68.68 ± 0.001 mg/100g), flavonoids (279.62 ± 0.18 mg/100g), alkaloids (82.17 ± 0.76 mg/100g), tannins (22.79 ± 0.03 mg/100g), and terpenoids (8.43 ± 0.03 mg/100g) were quantified. Anti-inflammatory assays included albumin denaturation inhibition (76.33 ± 0.19% at 50 mg/mL), proteinase inhibition (57.29 ± 0.71% at 50 mg/mL), and membrane stabilization (heat- and hypotonicity-induced hemolysis). The extract had a yield of 24.8 ± 1.05% and a significant anti-inflammatory activity in a dose-dependent manner. Flavonoids were the most abundant phytochemicals (279.62 ± 0.18 mg/100g). In hypotonicity-induced hemolysis, the extract outperformed diclofenac (p < 0.05), while in heat-induced hemolysis, it showed lower inhibition than aspirin (p < 0.05). The albumin denaturation inhibition (76.33 ± 0.19%) and proteinase inhibition (57.29 ± 0.71%) at 50 mg/mL confirmed potent anti-inflammatory effects of the extract. The high flavonoid and phenolic content correlates with the extract’s anti-inflammatory activity and membrane-stabilizing properties. The inhibition of protein denaturation and hemolysis suggests stabilization of cellular structures under inflammatory conditions. E. camaldulensis leaf extract is rich in bioactive compounds with significant in vitro anti-inflammatory effects. The findings validate its traditional use and its potential for developing natural therapeutics.