Ethnopharmacological study and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Chenopodium quinoa Wild.

Abstract

Chenopodium quinoa Wild is an ancient food crop belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It is gluten-free this makes it a healthy, especially individuals with gluten sensitivity. This study sought to perform an ethnopharmacological survey, acute toxicity, in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of C. quinoa Wild. Results from an ethnopharmacological questionnaire indicate that 5.4% of people are prominently used as a primary dietary component, especially for celiac patients. The quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the overall polyphenol, flavonoids and tannins contents present a values of 95.3 ± 2.42 µg gallic acid equivalent; 6.22 ± 0.18 µg quercitine equivalent and 21.93 ± 5.89 µg catechin equivalent/mg dried extracts, respectively. The in vivo toxicity test indicated that the ethanolic extract (EthE) from C. quinoa Wild seeds exhibited no adverse effects or fatalities in mice, the median lethal dose (LD50) when administered orally exceeded 2 g/kg (body weight). In vitro antioxidant activity showed a scavenging activity. The ethanolic extract (EthE) of the seeds also displayed in vitro anti-inflammatory potency and dose dependent. Through ethnomedicinal study, our findings prove the medicinal use of Chenopodium quinoa Wild in traditional medicine and as an additional source for natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents.