Abstract:
Background: Basella alba and Oxalis corniculata belong to the family Basellacea and
Oxalidacea, respectively. They have a diverse array of natural phytochemicals which possess
especially anti-inflammatory activities.
Objectives: To investigate the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of authenticated fresh leaves of
Basella alba, dried whole plant of Oxalis corniculata, combined extracts of these plants, and
develop a topical herbal gel formulation
Methods: The study comprised the water extraction of fresh Basella alba leaves via sonication
and centrifugation, alongside the methanolic extraction from Oxalis corniculata whole plant using
maceration in 70% methanol. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using protein denaturation
assay (PDA) and heat-induced hemolysis inhibition assay (HIHIA), with diclofenac sodium and
phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) serving as positive and negative controls, respectively. Absorbances
were measured spectrophotometrically at 540 and 660 nm in the HIHIA and PDA, respectively. A
topical gel was formulated incorporating the two extracts (2% from each), carbopol 940,
carboxymethylcellulose, and disodium EDTA. All the formulations were kept at room temperature
for 30 days to evaluate the stability.
Results: The PDA demonstrated a positive % inhibition of denaturation with increasing
concentrations by B. alba (6.55% at 0.0625 mg/mL and 10.88% at 1 mg/mL), the combined
extract (7.47% at 0.0625 mg/mL and 11.60% at 1 mg/mL), and diclofenac sodium (11.72% at
0.0625 mg/ml and 21.68% at 1 mg/mL), while O. corniculata exhibited better % inhibition at
lower concentrations (3.94% at 0.0625 mg/mL) than at higher ones (3.94% at 1 mg/mL). All
extracts and diclofenac sodium exhibited positive results for erythrocyte membrane stabilization,
with O. corniculata showing superior stabilization at lower concentrations (17.63%, 15.61%,
13.01%, 12.17% at 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively) in contrast to higher ones;
notably, at a dose of 1 mg/mL, B. alba (22.33%), the combined extract (14.43%), and O.
corniculata (7.63%) displayed considerable membrane stabilization compared to the positive
control, diclofenac (8.73%). However, the linearity of the graphs in these assays was inappropriate
to calculate IC50 values. Formulated herbal gel was stable for 30 days.
Conclusion: Only the water extract of Basella alba and the combined extract showed improved
anti-inflammatory properties with increasing concentration.
