BIOACTIVE CONSTITUENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIONS OF JATROPHA CURCAS

Inflammatory disorders are linked to the pathogenesis of several diseases. Limitations posed by synthetic anti-inflammatory agents had inspired the need to source for more effective and safer natural alternatives. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory activities of the twig extracts and fractions of Jatropha Curcas (J. curcas) and also identify the phytocompounds responsible for its anti-inflammatory activities. The methanol/methylchloride extract of J. curcas twig was fractionated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions. The effects of extracts and fractions of J. curcas twig on xylene induced topical inflammation were evaluated. HPLC and LC-MS of the promising fraction was evaluated. Results showed that the extract exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity at 500 µg/ear (66%) and 250 µg/ear (51%) compared to the positive control, piroxicam with 45% inhibition at 250 µg/ear. Ethyl acetate fraction significantly (p<0.05) suppressed the development of xylene ear edema compared to Piroxicam. HPLC of the fractions revealed the anti-inflammatory phytocompounds; pinoresinol, orientine, quercetin, septicin and naamin F. LC-MS analysis mass spectra showed mass peaks [M-H]-of m/z 299.4, 599.1 and [M+H]+m/z 301 which represents a mass of 300 of an unknown compound. These findings suggest that the twigs of J. curcas possess promising anti-inflammatory phytocompounds which justify its use in the management of inflammatory conditions in traditional medicines.