Seed oil of Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don. demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in experimental rodent models through suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced expression of Nrf2.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: The seed of the African cherry, Chrysophyllum albidum is well-known for its use in ethnomedicine for malaria, yellow fever, stomach ache and inflammatory disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of Chrysophyllum albidum Seed Oil (CASO) in rodent models of carrageenan-induced acute inflammation and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The phytochemical profile of n-hexane seed oil from C. albidum was determined via GC-MS following Soxhlet extraction. Anti-inflammatory activity of CASO was determined in carrageenan-induced air pouch and CFA-induced arthritis in rats and mice, respectively. Biochemical indices such as serum lipid profile, pouch exudates and joints markers of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory mediators and apoptosis were determined. Immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and joint histology were also evaluated.

RESULTS

GC-MS analysis identified key bioactive compounds in CASO, including n-hexadecanoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, and D-limonene. CASO treatment significantly decreased vascular permeability, leukocyte infiltration, and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6, in the carrageenan-induced air pouch model. Antioxidant defenses were enhanced as evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde and restored glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities. In the CFA-arthritis model, CASO significantly reduced paw edema and normalized disturbed lipid profiles and atherogenic indices. Additionally, CASO lowered joint tissue levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and pro-apoptotic markers (caspases-3 and -9), while preserving joint histoarchitecture. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed enhanced expression of Nrf2.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that Chrysophyllum albidum seed oil effectively mitigates inflammatory edema, reduces lipid peroxidation, restores endogenous antioxidant enzymes, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, and caspases, and enhanced Nrf2 in inflammatory models.