Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Rauwolfia Serpentina: In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity Evaluation

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are major contributors to the development of several pathological conditions, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory disorders. Natural medicinal plants rich in bioactive phytochemicals have gained attention as potential therapeutic agents. Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz is a traditional medicinal plant known for its diverse pharmacological properties, yet its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential require further scientific validation.

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of methanolic root extract of Rauwolfia serpentina.

Materials and Methods: Roots of Rauwolfia serpentina were extracted using methanol and subjected to phytochemical, CHNS, total phenolic, and total flavonoid analyses. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. GC–MS analysis was performed to identify bioactive constituents. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined through cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition, human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization, and protein denaturation inhibition assays.

Results: The methanolic extract exhibited appreciable phenolic and flavonoid contents and demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity with a DPPH IC₅₀ value of 136.5 µg/mL. GC–MS analysis identified 32 compounds, including phenylacetic acid, palmitic acid, and isopropyl myristate. The extract showed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 228.82 µg/mL. Significant anti-inflammatory activity was observed, with COX-2 inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 124.3 µg/mL), HRBC membrane stabilization (75.46%), and protein denaturation inhibition (75.89%) at 500 µg/mL.

Conclusion: The methanolic root extract of Rauwolfia serpentina possesses notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which may be attributed to its rich phytochemical composition. These findings support its traditional medicinal use and suggest its potential as a natural source for developing therapeutic agents against oxidative stress and inflammatory disorders.