Unveiling the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of Gomphostigma virgatum and analyzing its phytochemical profile

The potential of phytoconstituents from Gomphostigma virgatum to modulate molecular markers of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which are two major contributors to the development of numerous diseases, is still unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of G. virgatum in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, as well as to isolate bioactive ingredients via a silica-gel column fractionation. Further, a quantitative estimation of phenolics and flavonoids was carried out using colorimetric methods, and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was utilized to identify potential bioactive compounds. The results showed that G. virgatum hydroethanolic leaf extract (GVHLE) and its isolated fraction F_f strongly scavenged free radicals, such as ABTS^•+, DPPH^•, and Fe³⁺⁻TPTZ, and suppressed LPS-induced NO and ROS production in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, fraction F_f decreased the production of IL-1β, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, and it enhanced the release of IL-10 and restored the expression levels of antioxidant markers, such as SOD, CAT, and GSH. Phytochemical investigation of GVHLE and fraction F_f revealed that they contain significant amounts of phenolics and flavonoids that offer protection against free radicals and damage caused by them. The identification of acteoside as the major compound in GVHLE and fraction F_f is sufficient to support its substantial contribution to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. These findings clearly provide evidence supporting the medicinal use of G. virgatum in the treatment of oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases, thus opening further investigation on this plant species as a source of bioactive compounds for the development of dietary supplements and herbal remedies.