In-vitro-Scientific evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of leaf extracts from Vitex negundo: as a promising future drug candidate

Introduction: Vitex negundo (Linn.) is commonly used in folk medicines and widely distributed in India, especially in moist places. However, all parts of V. negundo are used to treat different pathophysiology, but leaves are strongly effective for medicinal uses. The aim of this study is to compare the anti-inflammatory potential of the methanolic extract and essential oil of V. negundo leaves. A comparative study of the bioactive compounds that were obtained from the methanolic extract and essential oil of V. negundo leaves was accomplished. Materials and Methods: First, the methanolic extract and essential oil were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities employing the RAW 264.7 cells. Subsequently, the identification and quantification of the β-sitosterol of methanolic extract and essential oil of leaves were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The quantitative evaluations of polyphenolics were executed using HPLC. Results: The dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract and essential oil were validated. Moreover, it was observed that the 50 μg/ml dose was found to be significant (P < 0.001) against the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6. In case of anti-inflammatory cytokine such as IL-10, the 50 μg/ml dose was found to produce significant effects where the statistical significance was P < 0.001 and P < 0.01 for the methanolic extract and essential oil, respectively. Adequate amounts of β-sitosterol and polyphenols were found out in the methanolic extract and essential oil of leaves of V. negundo. Conclusion: The research findings suggest the significant anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic extract and essential oil, but the methanolic extract showed a stronger effect. Furthermore, the essential oil of V. negundo could be used for the development of an ideal pharmaceutical formulation for effective delivery to people. Here, results justify its traditional use, which develops a future substantial value of this plant into the scientific discipline.