Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Algerian Santolinachamaecyparissus

The present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and the antioxidant properties of Algerian Santolina chamaecyparissus (S. chamaecyparissus) ethanol (SCE) and aqueous (SCA) extracts. The local treatment of ear mice by 2 mg S.chamaecyparissus decreased significantly (p < 0.001) the croton oil-induced ear edema. The inhibition exerted by SCA (31%) was less than that exerted by SCE (41%). Furthermore, S.chamaecyparissus extracts inhibited significantly (P < 0.001) the acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions in mice. At 400 mg/kg, SCE was more potent (38.05%) than SCA (34.86%). The treatment with 1 mg/pouch of SCE and SCA reduced significantly (P < 0.001) the number of migrated leukocytes to 5.12 ± 0.48 × 106 cells/mL and 5.60 ± 0.56 × 106 cells/mL of exudates, respectively, compared to the control group. On the other hand, SCE and SCA showed a significant DPPHE™ scavenging activity. The best scavenging activity was exerted by SCA with IC50 = 35.27 ± 3.24 μg/mL flowed by SCE with IC50 = 41.06 ± 0.94 μg/mL. Moreover, both extracts were able to chelate ferrous ions. However, SCA was more potent in chelating ferrous ions (IC50 = 73.51 ± 2.94 μg/mL) than SCE (507.43 ± 12.44 μg/mL). The reducing power exerted by SCE was stronger (IC50 = 49.12 μg/mL) than that of SCA (IC50 = 57.03 μg/mL). Taken together, S. chamaecyparissus extracts exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. So, this plant could be exploited as a potential source of natural compounds to treat inflammatory and oxidative stress disorders.