Mechanistic evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of selected medicinal Plants

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are major factors to the development and progression of degenerative, autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases. The persistent creation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protracted inflammatory reactions cause cellular damage, lipid peroxidation, and DNA instability, demanding safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives to current medications. Traditional medicines describe various medicinal plants for treating inflammatory diseases their pharmacological qualities remain unknown. Hydroalcoholic extracts of Aloe barbadensis Mill., Chrysanthemum indicum L., Commiphora mukul Engl., Convolvulus scammonia L., Ipomoea turpethum L., and Merendera persica Boiss. was extracted using Soxhlet and tested for phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, DNA protective effects, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity and safety. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, carbohydrates, and alkaloids, suggesting a high concentration of bioactive metabolites. Antioxidant ability was determined using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, nitric oxide scavenging, and malondialdehyde (MDA) tests, which revealed significant free radical neutralisation and prevention of lipid peroxidation. Among the extracts examined, A. barbadensis showed considerable activity in DPPH and FRAP assays, while Convolvulus scammonia showed significant activity in ABTS and nitric oxide scavenging assays. C. indicum had the lowest amounts of MDA, indicating excellent lipid peroxidation inhibition. Furthermore, C. scammonia proved very efficient in preventing protein denaturation. A. barbadensis showed strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli at a concentration of 10 µg/mL. The FTIR study also identified hydroxyl, carbonyl, and phenolic functional groups that are related with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivity. In conclusion, the findings give scientific support to the traditional usage of these herbs and emphasise their potential, natural and multi-targeted therapeutic agents for oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, notably in arthritis and associated diseases.