Phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory activity of Cladophora aegagropila extract

Introduction: The aim of this research is centered on phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory activity of Cladophora aegagropila extract. Methods: Total flavonoid content in the appropriate ethanol extract of C. aegagropila was determined using the spectrometric method. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the models of carrageenan-induced and allyl isothiocyanate-induced (AITC-induced) inflammation of hind limb in rats. Experimental animals were divided into ۳ groups, ۵ animals each: ۱st group – control; the animals without therapy of induced inflammation, ۲nd group – animals were treated with application of ۵% ointment containing C. aegagropila; ۳rd group – animals were treated with application of ۵% ibuprofen. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity was performed by determination of dynamic change of thickness and volume of affected animal limb for carrageenan-induced inflammation for ۸ days (with daily registration of records), and for AITC induced inflammation for ۲۴ h (with registration of records after ۳۰ min, ۱ h, ۲ h, ۳ h, ۶ h and ۲۴ h since phlogogen was introduced). Results: Flavonoids content in C. aegagropila extract varied depending on ethanol concentration: usage of ۴۰% ethanol led to ۱۸.۲ mg of flavonoid recovery on ۱.۰ g of dry raw material; ۷۰% ethanol – ۳۹.۵ mg and ۹۶% ethanol – ۳۵.۵ mg. Therapy of ۵% ointment based on C. aegagropila extract decreased inflammatory response caused by the subplantar introduction of the corresponding phlogogen. Conclusion: The ointment from C. aegagropila extract shows anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting inflammation caused by AITC and carrageenan.