Bioactive Constituents of Lagerstroemia indica L.: Assessment of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential

Abstract

Background: Lagerstroemia indica L. (Lythraceae) is a medicinal and ornamental plant containing diverse bioactive secondary metabolites. However, information regarding its phytochemical composition and biological activities is limited.
Objective: To authenticate Iraqi-grown L. indica, characterize its phytochemical profile and evaluate its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Methods: We molecularly authenticated Lagerstroemia indica by amplification and sequencing of the chloroplast psbA gene. We sequentially extracted the aerial parts with n-hexane and 85% ethanol, then fractionated the crude ethanolic extract. Phytochemical constituents were chemically characterized. We evaluated the antioxidant activity using DPPH and H2O2 scavenging assays. We assessed the anti-inflammatory activity of the crude ethanolic extract and chloroform fraction in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury model by measuring TNF-α and IL-1β levels by ELISA, measuring NF-κB expression by western blot, and examining renal histopathological changes.
Results: Preliminary chemical screening revealed a chemically diverse profile comprising flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, phenolic acids, and other secondary metabolites. The crude ethanolic extract exhibited the highest DPPH and H2O2 scavenging percentages under the experimental conditions. LPS significantly increased TNF-α and IL-1β levels, whereas pre-treatment with either the crude ethanolic extract or the chloroform fraction significantly attenuated these elevations (p< 0.05). Histopathological examination further demonstrated improvement in LPS-induced renal alterations following treatment.
Conclusion: Iraqi-grown Lagerstroemia indica contains diverse phenolic and flavonoid constituents and exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting further investigation of its bioactive constituents and underlying mechanisms.