The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(2):110-115 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14206

Research Article

Assessment of the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of Cardiospermum halicacabum extract

YN Wickramaratne¹ , RMHKK Rajapaksha¹ , RS Maddumage¹ , SP Senanayake¹ , ARN Silva² , HEH Perera³

YN Wickramaratne,RMHKK Rajapaksha,RS Maddumage,SP Senanayake,ARN Silva,HEH Perera

1. Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Werahera, Sri Lanka
2. Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Weraera, Sri Lanka
3. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Werahera, Sri Lanka

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 1st January, 2025 / Accepted: 21st March, 2025 / Published : 15th May, 2025

Abstract

Background: Inflammation is the body’s natural response to harmful stimuli. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to alleviate inflammation, but they often come with significant side effects. Consequently, there is a growing need for new, effective anti-inflammatory agents with minimal adverse effects, preferably derived from plants. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to prepare aqueous and ethanol extracts of the entire Cardiospermum halicacabum plant using the cold maceration extraction method, evaluate their in vitro anti-inflammatory properties, and determine the IC₅₀ values through a concentration-response curve. Methodology: Whole C. halicacabum plants were collected, and extracts were prepared using cold maceration with ethanol and water. The anti-inflammatory properties of these extracts were assessed in vitro using the heat-induced ovalbumin denaturation method, with diclofenac sodium serving as the reference drug. Results: The ethanol and aqueous extracts yielded 15.7% and 10.4% w/w, respectively. Compared to diclofenac sodium (IC₅₀ at 1922 μg/mL), the extracts demonstrated mild-to-moderate, concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activity, with IC₅₀ values of 5157 μg/mL for the ethanol extract and 8121 μg/mL for the aqueous extract. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between the concentration and percentage inhibition of the extracts, with a p-value of less than 0.05 and an R-square value close to one.  Conclusion: The extracts of C. halicacabum exhibit mild-to-moderate anti-inflammatory activity compared to standard diclofenac sodium.