Phytochemical profiling, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic potentials of Portulacaria afra Jacq: Molecular docking of unexplored bioactive compounds

Abstract Natural products play an important role in novel drug discovery by providing structural leads for the pharmacotherapeutic agents against a variety of diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the possible, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic activity and analgesic potential of hydro-methanol extract (HMPA) of Portulacaria afra ( (acq ) in a rat model to support its folk use. The ingredients in HMPA extract were identified by using GC.MS followed by molecular docking of 1-Coprosten-3-one semicarbazone, Phenol, 2, 2-methylenebis,7,9-ditert-butyl-1-oxaspiro [4.5] deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione against Cyclooxygenase-1 and Cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes. The phytochemical test of HMPA extract showed a positive result for secondary metabolites of tannin, flavonoids, alkaloids, phytosterol, saponins, cardiac glycoside quinolones, triterpenoids, and carbohydrates. The HMPA extract showed a good concentration of total flavonoid content (163.25 ± 2.50 mg GAE/g) and total phenolic contents (153.21 ± 1.17 mg GAE/g). The antioxidant capacity of HMPA extract showed significant potential by DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC, FRAP methods. The Chromatogram by GC.MS showed compounds with anti-inflammatory potentials such as methyl octadeca-9, 12-dienoate, 9, 12, 15-Octadecatrienoic acid, palmitoleic acid, methyl palmitate, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, Parthenolide. In carrageenan-induced hind paw edema, assay results showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory action. The different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) had anti-inflammatory activity in a dose-dependent manner. The analgesic activity by hot-plate, tail flicking, writhing test in rats HMPA extract demonstrated significant (p<0.05) potential. The antipyretic activity was investigated by using yeast-induced pyrexia in albino rats. At the dose of 100 and 200, 400 mg/kg HMPA extract significantly decreased the temperature with maximum effect at the 3 rd , 4th, and 5th h. The results of in vitro and in vivo experimental research confirmed the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic capabilities of P.afra and sustained folkloric claims of this plant.