Viscum monoicum: A New Source of Polyphenolic Compounds Responsible for Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

Viscum monoicum has been used as a traditional medicinal plant for the treatment of many ailments that include pain, neuropharmacological disorders as well as various types of tumors. This study was designed to investigate the polyphenolic compound, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract of Viscum monoicum (EVM). The extract was subjected to HPLC-DAD analysis for the quantification of polyphenols. In addition, DPPH, ABTS free radical scavenging, reducing power, total antioxidant capacity, phenolic, and flavonoid content was measured for antioxidant activities of EVM. Besides, the anti-inflammatory activity of EVM was studied using carrageenan and histamine-induced rat paw edema at different doses. High levels of ellagic acid and (+)-catechin hydrate (410.15 and 340.88 mg/100 g extract, respectively) were determined for the first time through HPLC in EVM. IC50 of EVM was significant in DPPH and ABTS scavenging assay compared to that of ascorbic acid. The total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic, and total flavonoid contents were estimated and found significant amount equivalent to standard. At a dose of 400 mg kg−1, a significant anti-inflammatory activity (P<0.01) was observed in rats at both carrageenan and histamine-induced edema test models with a reduction in the paw volume; in comparison to indomethacin. Therefore, the results suggest that polyphenolic compounds might be responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of EVM.