Bioactive profile and safety of Stipa tenacissima L medicinal plant: polyphenols, antioxidants, toxicity and anti-inflammatory

Abstract

In addition to evaluating the phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity, this study was the first to examine the acute toxicity profile and anti-inflammatory properties of Stipa tenacissima L., an endemic plant widely distributed in Algeria known as "Halfa". Although its various and important traditional use, little scientific research has been explored into its critical medicinal properties. The results of these studies show that the aqueous extract contains the most phenolic and flavonoid components and has a higher antioxidant capacity. Anti-inflammatory activity was demonstrated in vitro through BSA denaturation inhibition of 89.93% at of 0.5 mg/mL, and in vivo use croton oil to produce ear edema in mice, where showed significant inhibition rate of 71.11% at dose of 100 mg/kg. Furthermore, the toxicological evaluation of the two oral doses of the aqueous extract given to mice groups (2 and 5 g/kg) shows that no mortality was seen and the LD50 is higher than 5000mg/kg. On histological examination, symptoms of mild toxicity comprised elevated liver enzymes ALT and AST, as well as infiltration of moderate hepatic inflammation, but there was no major renal or cardiac damage. These findings suggest that S tenacissima represents an interesting avenue in the development of new natural alternatives to traditional anti-inflammatories.