Rubus ulmifolius leaves as a promising natural remedy: focus on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities.

This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activity of Rubus ulmifolius leaf extract. LC-ESI-MS analysis was used to assess the phytochemical composition of the extract of Rubus ulmifolius. The Folin-Ciocalteu test was used to measure the total phenolic content. The DPPH test was used to measure antioxidant activity, while the MTT assay was used to measure cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 macrophages. The Griess reagent was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. The natural extract of Rubus ulmifolius was evaluated for its hepatoprotective properties against acute liver damage caused by CCL4. Phytochemical analysis showed that quinic acid was found to be the major compound in this extract. Results showed a potent antioxidant potential (IC50 value of 0.021 ± 0.003 mg/mL) and a high total phenolic content of 343.02 ± 10.39 mg GAE/g. Notably, Rubus ulmifolius extract significantly inhibited nitrite formation (IC50 = 122.5 ± 0.62 µg/mL) while demonstrating low cytotoxicity against macrophages, as indicated by a high selectivity index (SI = 20.67). This extract improves oxidative stress and liver function parameters, according to the hepatoprotective study. These findings indicate that Rubus ulmifolius extract is a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications in inflammatory diseases and liver disorders.