Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of Stipa tenacissima L.

Abstract

Stipa tenacissima , commonly known as "Alfa" and belonging to the Poaceae family, is a perennial grass traditionally used in Algerian folk medicine and handicrafts. This plant is reputed for its therapeutic properties, particularly its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study aimed to evaluate these biological effects using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. The aqueous extract was evaluated for its total phenolic and flavonoid contents, which were found to be 97.02 mg GAE/g and 50.45 mg QE/g of extract, respectively. The antioxidant capacity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay and iron chelation test, revealing potent antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 0.088 mg/mL and 2.279 mg/mL, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity was demonstrated in vitro through BSA denaturation inhibition with percentage of 89.93% at 5 mg/mL, and in vivo using croton oilinduced ear edema in mice, where the extract showed a significant inhibition rate of 71.11% at a dose of 100 mg/kg. These results confirm the traditional use of S. tenacissima as a natural remedy, supporting its potential development as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent