Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Capacity, and Biological Evaluation of the Aqueous Extract of Marrubium Sp

Abstract

The present study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and biological effects of the aqueous extract from the aerial parts of Marrubium sp (MaqE). The extraction yielded a dark brown powder with a yield of 8.5%. Phytochemical screening revealed high levels of polyphenols (65.6 mg EGA/g dry weight of extract), tannins (60.46 mg ETA/g dry weight of extract), and flavonoids (3.72 mg EQ/g dry weight of extract). Antioxidant potential was evaluated through various in vitro assays, including DPPH, ABTS, metal chelation, and reducing power tests. The extract showed high antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 86.62 µg/mL (DPPH) and 26.27 µg/mL (ABTS), The extract also demonstrated ferrous ion chelating activity (IC₅₀ = 38.97 ± 1.28 µg/mL) and reducing power (A₀.₅ = 399.01 ± 18.33), these values were significantly lower than standards. In vivo, in acute toxicity, rats treated orally for 15 days with 2 and 5 g/kg doses of the extract showed no significant changes in body or organ weights. Serum biochemical parameters revealed significant decreases in ALP (143.67 ± 12.7 and 100.67 ± 5.78 IU/L), ALT (82.41 ± 22.12 and 80.66 ± 13.37 IU /L), and a non-significant decrease in AST. Serum creatinine levels remained unchanged, confirming no nephrotoxicity.