Biological Activities of Medicinal Plant Extract

Abstract

Origanum floribundum Munby, a plant native to Tébessa, Algeria, is traditionally used to treat various ailments. This study evaluates the biological activities of its hydroethanolic extract, particularly its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anticoagulant properties. The biological effects were studied using both in vitro and in vivo methods. The research involved quantifying the total polyphenol content and the flavonoid concentration in the extract, which are bioactive components responsible for the plant’s therapeutic effects. The extract has a lipid yield of 8.03% and an extraction yield of 15.32%. Tests quantified the total polyphenol content (TPC) at 190.36 ± 1.46 μgGAE/mg and total flavonoid concentration (TFC) at 40.84 ± 1.47 μgRE/mg. The antioxidant activity of the hydroethanolic extract was evaluated using DPPH and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) tests, showing a strong ability to neutralize free radicals, which are involved in various chronic diseases. The anti-inflammatory effect was confirmed by significant reductions in inflammation in the ear edema model in mice, as well as by the bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation test. The extract also showed anticoagulant activity comparable to conventional drugs, measured by prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Finally, analgesic effects were observed in the acetic acid-induced writhing model. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of Origanum floribundum as a natural alternative for managing diseases related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood coagulation.