Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Potential of Pilocarpus microphyllus

The study examined the flavonoid composition of Pilocarpus microphyllus (jaborandi) leaves, a plant mainly recognized for its alkaloid pilocarpine. Researchers extracted the leaves using methanol and obtained an ethyl acetate fraction rich in flavonoids. This fraction was analyzed through several techniques, including Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Mass Spectrometry (MS), which identified chrysin as the major compound. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays, both showing strong free radical inhibition. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed the redox behavior associated with antioxidant potential. In animal studies using a rat model of sciatic nerve compression, oral administration of the flavonoid fraction at 100 mg/kg reduced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, indicating neuroprotective and antinociceptive effects. Overall, the findings reveal that P. microphyllus leaves are a promising natural source of chrysin-rich flavonoids with significant antioxidant and nerve-protective activities.

Source : https://www.mdpi.com/2813-2998/3/4/45