In Vitro Anti-inflammatory Activity of Alkaloidal and Nonalkaloidal Fractions of Curculigo orchioides Rhizome

Rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides Gaerten. (Hypoxidaceae) were extracted with hydroalcoholic (90% ethanol) solvent by Soxhlet extraction. This hydroalcoholic extract of C. orchioides was separated into alkaloidal (AFCO) and non-alkaloidal (NAFCO) fractions and were evaluated as in-vitro anti-inflammatory activities by using human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stability test and inhibition of protein denaturation (PD) assays at different levels (100-500 mu g/mL) and Diclofenac sodium (100 mu g/mL) was used as reference drug. The result showed that AFCO showed a more potent anti-inflammatory effect than NAFCO fraction in the HRBC method and NAFCO showed a more potent anti-inflammatory effect than AFCO fraction in the PD method in dose-dependent action of both fractions. The maximum inhibition in HRBC membrane stability of AFCO fraction was found to be 76 % and NAFCO fraction was found to be 69% while the maximum inhibition of PD of AFCO fraction was found to be 62 % and NAFCO fraction was found to be 71% at a dose of 500 mu g/mL respectively and significantly (p < 0.01) protects the heat-induced PD and HRBC membrane stability test. The C. orchioides is rich in various phytochemicals such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, polyphenols, glycosides, tannins, and terpenoids which could serve as a potential source of crude drugs. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids may be accountable for their anti-inflammatory action. So, this study supports the use of AFCO and NAFCO fractions from C. orchoides for the prevention, and treatment of inflammation, and supports its traditional uses.

Automated summary

Rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides Gaerten. (Hypoxidaceae) were extracted with hydroalcoholic solvent and separated into alkaloidal and non-alkaloidal fractions. Both fractions showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects, with the alkaloidal fraction being more effective in HRBC method and the non-alkaloidal fraction being more effective in PD method. The study also identified various phytochemicals in C. orchioides that may contribute to its anti-inflammatory action.