Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Aqueous Extract of Malva Sylvestris Leaves in Association with Serum Albumin

Abstract

Malva sylvestris L., commonly known as common mallow, is an herbaceous plant widely used in traditional Algerian medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The richness of its leaves and flowers in phenolic compounds is the source of these therapeutic virtues. In Algeria, various remedies based on this species are commonly used in the treatment of inflammation, joint pain, and digestive disorders. Serum albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma and plays a key role in regulating oncotic pressure. Its versatile nature also allows it to transport numerous molecules such as fatty acids, hormones, drugs, and metal ions, thus contributing to the proper functioning of essential physiological processes. This study aims to evaluate certain biological activities resulting from the association between serum albumin and the aqueous extract of Malva sylvestris L. leaves. The results obtained highlight a notable antioxidant activity of this association, with respective IC50 values of 3.825 ± 0.422 μg/ml, 296.13 ± 69.33 μg/ml, and 217.9 ± 31.5 μg/ml for the ability to scavenge DPPH, OH, and H2O2 radicals. The mixture exhibits a total antioxidant capacity with an IC50 of 310.5 ± 11.33 μg/ml and a ferric ion reducing power with an IC50 of 42.93 ± 46.38 μg/ml. The ferrous ion chelating ability is evaluated with an IC50 of 137.96 ± 30.07 μg/ml. Regarding the antiinflammatory activity, no stabilizing effect on erythrocyte membranes against osmotic stress, HOCl-induced oxidative stress, and heat was observed with this association. These results clearly demonstrate that the combination of serum albumin and the aqueous extract of Malva sylvestris leaves significantly potentiates the antioxidant properties of the plant. This combination represents a promising source of bioactive molecules and constitutes an interesting therapeutic alternative for the treatment of pathologies related to oxidative stress.

Keywords

• Malva sylvestris
• BSA
• Antioxidant
• Anti-radical
• Anti-inflammatory

References

1. Moualek, I., Benarab, K., & Houali, K. (2024). Evaluation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extract of Malva sylvestris leaves in association with serum albumin. The Eurasia Proceedings of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (EPSTEM), 30, 56-63.