Evaluation of free radical scavenging and anti-lipoxygenase activity in various fractions of ayurvedic polyherbal decoction, Punarnavadi kashayam

Abstract

Punarnavadi kashayam (PK), a classical ayurvedic polyherbal decoction prescribed for abating various inflammatory conditions, was analysed for its total phytochemical content, free radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory activity in order to validate its traditional usage. PK was sequentially fractionated using solvents of different polarity and the preliminary phytochemical screenings were performed. Free radical scavenging activity was determined using various biochemical assays while the anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by determining the anti-lipoxygenase activity using FOX assay. Ethyl acetate fraction showed better free radical scavenging activity as compared to the corresponding positive controls. The same fraction exhibited the better IC₅₀ for 5- and 12-lipoxygenase inhibition assay than the positive control, showing its anti-inflammatory property. The phytochemical analysis revealed a higher content of phytochemicals in ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methanol fractions which displayed the correlation between phenolic content and the bioactivity. Overall, PK can effectively scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipoxygenase enzymes, thereby decreasing the production of free radicals and pro-inflammatory leukotrienes.