Phytochemical Investigation, Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory activity of Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton

Abstract

Nasturtium officinale W. T Aiton (Brassicaceae) is a nutritional plant that is often used in traditional systems of medicine. One of its potent uses is the treatment of inflammatory conditions. However, validity of the anti-inflammatory activity has not been scientifically investigated so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential along with antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoids contents. The qualitative chemical screening showed the presence of several phytoconstituents such as proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, glycosides, alkaloids and others. The different extracts showed significant antioxidant potential as well as total phenolic and flavonoids contents. The hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) possess significant antioxidant potential as shown by DPPH and ABTS methods, respectively, as well as highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents among all the extracts. Further, extract with potent antioxidant potential was subjected for anti-inflammatory activity with the help of the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model. The extract (HAE) at a dose of (750mg/kg) exhibited marked inhibition against carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema. These results provide substantial evidence that the plant Nasturtium officinale has valuable sources of phytochemicals, antioxidant potential and traditional usage as anti-inflammatory agent.