Anti-inflammatory activity study and secondary metabolites detection in Coptosapelta Flavescens korth root’s water extract

Abstract

Background: The roots of Coptosapelta flavescens Korth (CFR) are traditionally used to treat toothache and rheumatism by boiling. CFR methanol extract has been scientifically proven to have anti-inflammatory activity, while the CFR water extract has not yet been known to have the antiinflammatory effect or content of secondary metabolites. The aim of this study was to test the antiinflammatory activity and detect secondary metabolites of CFR water extract by Wistar rats’ red blood cell (RBC) membrane stabilizing method and color reactions respectively. Method: RBC solution added by several concentrations of CFR water extract was induced with hyposaline solution. The supernatants obtained after centrifugation were measured for their absorbance with 560 nm wavelength. The EC50 of CFR water extracts was compared to Indomethacin using t-tests. The secondary metabolites tested were polyphenols, saponins, terpenoids and anthraquinone. Results: EC50 of CFR water extract (3.68 ± 0.14) mg /ml was smaller than EC50 of Indomethacin (11.13 ± 0.52) mg / ml, indicating that the membrane stabilization effect of CFR water extract is stronger than Indomethacin. The secondary metabolites detected positively were polyphenols (tannins) and saponins. Conclusion: CFR water extract has a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than Indomethacin, and contains polyphenols (tannins) and saponins.