Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract of Leucaena Leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit Using Complementary Experimental and Computational Approaches

Abstract Inflammation is a common clinical and socioeconomic problem. Prolonged use of synthetic drugs may cause adverse effects, creating interest in safer plant-based alternatives. Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. is a member of the Fabaceae (pea) family. In folk medicine, the leaves of this plant were used to treat fevers, stomach disorders, and wounds. In this study, the anti-inflammatory activity of a hydroalcoholic (70:30 ethanol, water) leaf extract is evaluated. Extraction was done by the maceration process, yielding 9%. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of Phenols, Flavonoids, alkaloids, and other phytoconstituents in the extract. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay IC 50 value was 146.431 µg/mL. The extract showed concentration-dependent inhibition of BSA denaturation, giving % denaturation inhibition of 60.8% at 500 µg/mL, indicating in vitro anti-inflammatory potential. The extract exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in a Carrageenan-induced inflammation, with reported inhibition of paw edema is 52.50% for 200 mg/kg and 58.14% for 400 mg/kg. In an in silico approach, network pharmacology and molecular docking supported interactions of phytoconstituents with selected inflammation-related target proteins.