Pharmacological Evaluation Of Polygonum Aviculare L. Leaf Extract For Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, And Anti-Ulcer Activities

Abstract

In this study, the ethanolic leaf extract of Polygonum aviculare L. is assessed pharmacologically for its neurological, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer qualities. The leaves were collected from Butana, Sonepat, Haryana, India, and then subjected to a number of solvent extractions; the ethanolic extract was selected because of its high yield and bioactive makeup. By using phytochemical screening, the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, glycosides, and tannins was confirmed. The extract showed significant antioxidant activity in the DPPH experiment (IC50 = 42.6 ± 1.8 μg/mL) compared to ascorbic acid (IC50 = 18.4 ± 0.9 μg/mL). In comparison to indomethacin (68.3 ± 2.1%), the carrageenan-induced paw edema model demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects in in vivo studies using Wistar rats, reducing edema by 58.7 ± 2.4% at 500 mg/kg. The extract was tested for its anti-ulcer properties using the pylorus ligation model. It was comparable to ranitidine in that it increased the stomach's pH while decreasing the quantity of gastric juice, overall acidity, and ulcer index. In the forced swimming test, Swiss albino mice shown significant reductions in locomotor activity (48.2 ± 3.1%) and immobility time (35.6 ± 2.4%), indicating sedative and antidepressant-like effects that were not as potent as diazepam. Acute toxicity studies confirmed the extract's safety (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg). According to these findings, P. aviculare has been used traditionally and may be used as a multi-targeted therapy for oxidative stress, stomach ulcers, and inflammation.