Quantitative estimation of secondary metabolites, in-vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-sickling activity of leaf of Ficus virens Aiton.

Abstract

Sickle cell anaemia is a severe global disease marked by oxidative stress and painful episodes. This study evaluates the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-sickling properties of the ethanolic extract of Ficus virens Aiton leaves. Total phenolic (TPC), tannin (TTC), and flavonoid (TFC) contents were assessed spectrophotometrically, while antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH, anti-inflammatory activity via the HRBC method, and anti-sickling effects through Emmel and reversibility tests. The extract showed high TPC (79.84±2.77 µg/mg GAE), TTC (10.51±0.62 µg/mg GAE), and TFC (132.62±6.69 µg/mg QE). It significantly reduced haemolysis (12.19±1.84% at 2000 µg/ml) and exhibited strong antioxidant activity (89.34±0.56% DPPH scavenging at 75 µg/ml, IC50: 22.76±1.01 µg/ml). The extract also demonstrated a high sickle cell reversal rate (84.13±0.25% at 10 mg/ml after 150 min), comparable to phenylalanine (85.71%). These results highlight Ficus virens Aiton as a promising candidate for treating inflammation and sickle cell anaemia.