Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antinociceptive properties of methanolic flower extracts of Tecoma stans: a promising natural therapeutic agent.

INTRODUCTION

Tecoma stans (T. stans) is traditionally employed in folk medicine for the management of inflammatory conditions; however, its pharmacological properties and underlying mechanisms of action remain insufficiently characterized.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective effects of the methanolic flower extract of T. stans using both in vitro and in vivo models, with particular emphasis on cytokines, modulation, oxidative stress markers, and lipid-derived inflammatory mediators.

METHODOLOGY: Cytotoxicity and hemotoxicity were assessed using MTT reduction and hemolysis assays, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated employing carrageenan-induced paw oedema and xylene-induced ear oedema models. Modulation of cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10) was determined in both in vivo and in vitro models. Additionally, the effects of the extract on nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production were analyzed.

RESULTS

T. stans extract exhibited no cytotoxic or hemolytic effects, maintaining cell viability above 90%. It significantly attenuated inflammatory responses in edema models, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediator levels, and increased IL-10 production. Furthermore, the extract markedly decreased NO and H2O2 generation, indicating a reduction in oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of T. stans, mediated through cytokine modulation, attenuation of oxidative stress, and partial inhibition of COX/LOX pathways. Collectively, its pharmacological profile highlights its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for the management of inflammatory disorders.