Phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties of leaf extracts of Amaranthus viridis L. (Amaranthaceae)

Abstract

Inflammation, pain and fever are prevalent and debilitating conditions associated with diseases, infections and injuries, affecting a significant global population. Orthodox medicines used for treatments are known to induce toxic adverse effects, including gastrointestinal ulcers, and dependence. Problems of adulteration, substitution and false claims also exist for medicinal plants like Amaranthus viridis L., due to insufficient scientific data. Previously, crude extracts of the plant were used to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties, without room to understand the probable responsible constituents. The plant material was successively extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water, followed by determinations of their yields and phytochemical constituents. The extracts were tested for acute toxicity prior to preliminary in vivo testing of their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties in mice and rats, following standard procedures. Yields of extracts from 1000 mg of the leaf powder were highest in water, followed by hexane, methanol, and ethyl acetate, while the phytochemical constituents included  steroids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and carbohydrates. The extracts were safe and significantly active compared to standards. The results provide further scientific data for the traditional uses of A. viridis leaf in the treatment of inflammation, pain, and fever.