BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:
Inflammation is a key contributor to various chronic diseases, and while conventional anti-inflammatory drugs are effective, their long-term use poses significant risks. Nelumbo nucifera, a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine, is rich in bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract using human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization, egg albumin denaturation, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation assays.
MATERIALS/METHODS:
The ethanolic extract of Nelumbo nucifera leaves was prepared using cold maceration. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assessed through three models: (1) HRBC membrane stabilization to simulate lysosomal membrane protection, (2) inhibition of heat-induced egg albumin denaturation, and (3) inhibition of bovine serum albumin denaturation. The extract was tested at concentrations ranging from 100–500 µg/mL, and results were compared with standard diclofenac sodium. All assays were conducted in triplicate, and results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA.
RESULTS:
nucifera extract exhibited significant, concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in all three models. At the highest tested concentration (500 µg/mL), Diclofenac showed 65.3% HRBC membrane protection, while the lotus extract achieved 55.6%. Both Diclofenac sodium and Nelumbo nucifera extract demonstrated significant, dose-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation. At the highest concentration tested (500 µg/mL), Diclofenac exhibited 84.6% inhibition, whereas the lotus extract showed a comparable 76.9% inhibition.At 500 µg/mL, Diclofenac achieved a maximum albumin denaturation inhibition of 87.5%, while the lotus extract showed a promising 75.0% inhibition at the same concentration.All results were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
The ethanolic extract of Nelumbo nucifera demonstrated potent in vitro anti-inflammatory activity through membrane stabilization and protein denaturation inhibition. These findings support its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic anti-inflammatory agents and justify further investigation through in vivo and clinical studies
