International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 14, Issue 3

Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Basella alba: A Comprehensive Investigation into Its Anti-arthritic Properties, Phytochemical Profile, and Molecular Docking Insights

Jithin Mathew1*, Shreeja M1, Swathi AR1, K Ragesh2

1Department of Pharmacology, NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India.

2Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Westfort College of Pharmacy, Thrissur, Kerala, India.

Received: 25th March, 2024; Revised: 08th July, 2024; Accepted: 14th August, 2024; Available Online: 25th September, 2024

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of Basella alba, a traditional medicinal plant, against rheumatoid arthritis. Comprehensive analyses, including phytochemical screening, physicochemical evaluation, molecular docking, and antioxidant assays, were conducted. The physicochemical properties, such as ash and extractive values, indicated the high quality and purity of the plant material. Molecular docking studies showed that active compounds in B. alba exhibited strong binding affinities to key proteins involved in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis, suggesting potential inhibitory activity. Antioxidant capabilities were assessed through DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging assays. Phytochemical evaluation confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, and triterpenoids. The secondary metabolites revealed significant mineral content (12% ash value), low insoluble mineral residues (1% acid-insoluble ash value), and high levels of hydrophilic (23.32% water-soluble extractives) and lipophilic compounds (8.48% alcohol-soluble extractives). Linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and cis-13-octadecanoic acid exhibited the highest binding affinities to the COX II receptor in molecular docking studies, with linoleic acid showing the strongest interaction. The DPPH assay showed a rise in antioxidant activity with increasing concentration, reaching 71.34% suppression at 100 µg/mL. The nitric oxide scavenging assay showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity, reaching 64.20% inhibition at 100 µg/ml. The results suggest that the ethanolic extract of B. alba has significant antioxidant and anti- arthritic potential.

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, Physicochemical evaluation, Binding affinity, Linoleic acid. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology (2024); DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.14.3.36

How to cite this article: Mathew J, Shreeja M, Swathi AR, Ragesh K. Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Basella alba: A Comprehensive Investigation into Its Anti-arthritic Properties, Phytochemical Profile, and Molecular Docking Insights. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology. 2024;14(3):1516-1520.

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