Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Phytochemical Analysis of Detarium Microcarpum Stem Bark Fractions

Osarhieme Tinuade Okugbo; Faith Aghayere; Merit Ayevbuomwan; Adeogun E; Oghenevwede Erhovwosere; Ufuoma Bigila Shemishere; Ehimwenma Sheena Omoregie

doi:10.61797/ijdm.v4i2.523

Osarhieme Tinuade Okugbo Associate Professor, Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences, Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Faith Aghayere Lecturer, Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences, Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Merit Ayevbuomwan Researcher, Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Adeogun E Researcher, Department of Biochemistry (Malaria Research, Molecular Biology and Toxicology Unit), University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Oghenevwede Erhovwosere Researcher, Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Delta, Delta State, Nigeria
Ufuoma Bigila Shemishere Researcher, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
Ehimwenma Sheena Omoregie Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biochemistry (Malaria Research, Molecular Biology and Toxicology Unit), University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61797/ijdm.v4i2.523

Keywords: Detarium microcarpum, Diabetes, Inflammation, Membrane stabilization, Protein denaturation

Abstract

Chronic inflammation represents a significant global health burden implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer and autoimmune conditions. The limitations of conventional Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as adverse effects and diminishing efficacy, necessitate the investigation of alternative therapies, particularly those derived from medicinal plants. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity and chemical composition of Petroleum Ether (PE), Dichloromethane (DCM), and Hydro-Methanol (HMF) fractions of Detarium microcarpum stem bark using in vitro models and HPLC fingerprinting. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated via erythrocyte membrane stabilization, inhibition of protein denaturation, and heat-induced albumin denaturation assays, with aspirin serving as the standard control. HPLC was used to identify phytoconstituents in each fraction. All fractions exhibited significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity, with the DCM fraction demonstrating the most potent membrane stabilization effect with an IC₅₀ value of 0.9524 mg/mL and the HMF fraction showing the most outstanding heat-induced protein denaturation inhibition (IC₅₀=0.4920 mg/mL). HPLC fingerprinting revealed key anti-inflammatory phytoconstituents, including quercetin, kaempferol, lupeol, Betulinic acid, methyl gallate, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol, which were variably distributed across the fractions. The findings demonstrate that fractions of Detarium microcarpum possess significant anti-inflammatory properties, likely attributable to their rich content of flavonoids, triterpenoids, sterols, and phenolic compounds. Moreover, the identification of potent anti-inflammatory compounds underscores the plant's potential in drug discovery efforts targeting chronic diseases related to inflammation. These compounds may offer multi-targeted therapeutic benefits by modulating key pathways involved in inflammation, such as the NF-κB and COX-2 signalling pathways. Consequently, D. microcarpum fractions could be developed into lead compounds in the formulation of safer and more effective anti-inflammatory drugs.