Abstract
Objective:
The objective of this study was to explore the antiarthritic potential of tubers from Habenaria pectinata plant.
Materials and Methods:
Tubers were collected, dried, and extracted using various solvents, including hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. The antiarthritic activity of the tuber extracts was evaluated using in vitro models to examine membrane stabilization, proteinase inhibition, and inhibition of protein denaturation with diclofenac and aspirin used as traditional drugs in arthritis. The significance of (p < 0.05) dose-dependent antiarthritic potentials of the different extracts was determined using in vitro models.
Results:
Ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of H. pectinata tubers inhibited denaturation of both bovine serum and egg albumin as well as proteinase activity to levels that were similar to those of traditional antiarthritic drugs. The extracts also stabilized erythrocyte membranes. High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis showed that ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of H. pectinata tubers contained the phytoconstituent piperine, which has anti-inflammatory activity.
Conclusion:
Based on in vitro assay results, and the presence of the anti-inflammatory molecule piperine in H. pectinata, ethyl acetate, and methanolic extracts could have significant antiarthritic potential.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.