BIOACTIVITY AND SAFETY EVALUATION OF LYOPHILIZED HYDROETHANOLIC CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS EXTRACT

This study examined the phytochemical composition, bioactivity, and biosafety of the hydroethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis, a plant traditionally employed in the management of diabetes mellitus. Phytochemical analysis identified a rich presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds, with the ethanolic fraction yielding a high total phenolic content (60.96 mg GAE/g). The in-vitro anti-inflammatory potential of the extract was assessed via the egg albumin denaturation assay across concentrations up to 1000 µg/mL and benchmarked against Diclofenac, a standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In parallel, acute oral toxicity and biosafety were evaluated in female Sprague-Dawley rats over a 14-day period, with dosage escalation up to 5000 mg/kg body weight. The hydroethanolic extract exhibited significant, concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activity, attaining a maximum inhibition of69.30±1.57% at 1000 µg/mL, which was comparable to the 83.45±1.27% inhibition observed with Diclofenac. Acute toxicity evaluation indicated an excellent safety profile, with no mortality or adverse clinical signs, and normal behavior, food and water intake, and weight gain observed across all groups, including the highest dose cohort. In summary, the hydroethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis demonstrates marked anti-inflammatory efficacy and a high safety margin, supporting its traditional use and potential for development as a safe, effective therapeutic agent.