Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ethanol Root Extract and Fractions of Ficus capensis Thunb in Rat

 Ficus capensis, inflammation, phytochemicals, anti-inflammatory activity, rat model, paw edema.

*Corresponding author: kesterkene@gmail.com;
DOI:https://doi.org/10.61594/tnpr.v6(2).2025.129

Page No: 144-152
Volume: 6, Issue 2, 2025
Trends in Natural Products Research
Copy Right: NAPREG

Abstract

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism against injury and infection; however, chronic inflammation can lead to various diseases. Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used, their long-term use is associated with adverse effects, prompting interest in safer alternatives. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanol root extract of Ficus capensis and its solvent fractions in rat models. The roots of Ficus capensis were collected, authenticated, and extracted using 80% ethanol. The crude extract was fractionated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water. Phytochemical screening was performed according to standard protocols. Acute toxicity was assessed using Lorke’s method. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using formalin- and carrageenan-induced paw edema models in albino rats. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and glycosides. The LD₅₀ of the extract was > 5000 mg/kg, indicating low acute toxicity. In both inflammation models, the ethanol extract and its fractions produced significant, dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects compared to the control (P < 0.05). The n-hexane fraction exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity, comparable to that of diclofenac sodium. This study confirms the traditional use of Ficus capensis as an anti-inflammatory agent. These findings support the potential development of Ficus capensis-based anti-inflammatory therapies as safer alternatives to NSAIDs.