Promising Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Ursolic Acid Isolated from Atylosia goensis

Introduction: Indigenous plants are plant species that are native to a specific region and have evolved naturally and adapted to local environmental conditions over a long period.

Aim: This study aimed to explore the anti-arthritic effects of Atylosia goensis, an indigenous plant species in the Western Ghats of India.

Methodology: An ethanolic extract of Atylosia goensis was obtained using the Soxhlet extraction method, which revealed a diverse array of phytochemicals through liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). Key compounds, including fatty acids, sterols, and potential health-beneficial compounds, were identified, and one prominent phytoconstituent, ursolic acid, was spectroscopically characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry. The research also examined the anti-inflammatory activity and in-vitro and in-vivo anti-arthritic activity of ethanolic extract.

Results: The ethanol extract exhibited notable inhibition of Cox-2, indicating potential anti-inflammatory effects. The in vivo anti-arthritic activity of ursolic acid was evaluated at different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) over a 24-day period. Ursolic acid significantly reduced joint edema, particularly at higher doses, thereby emphasizing its anti-inflammatory properties. Biomarker analysis revealed dose-dependent attenuation of disease-associated biomarker levels, supporting the potential therapeutic efficacy of ursolic acid in arthritis management. Moreover, the hepatoprotective potential of ursolic acid was evident in biochemical parameters, including SGPT, SGOT, and ALP levels. Both doses of ursolic acid effectively mitigated liver dysfunction induced in the disease control group, demonstrating its protective role in liver health. Histopathological assessments corroborated these findings, indicating a reduction in inflammatory areas following ursolic acid treatment, especially at higher doses.

Conclusion: This experimental work provides valuable information on the therapeutic potential of Atylosia goensis and ursolic acid, emphasizing their roles in anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective applications. This study contributes to the understanding of plant-derived compounds for potential pharmaceutical use in the management of inflammatory and arthritic conditions.