Methanol Crude Extract of Litsea Monopetala Leaves combats oxidative stress, clot formation, inflammation and stool frequency in Animal Model

Abstract

Litsea monopetala (LM) leaves are used in traditional medicine systems in the South Asian region for treating ailments such as digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin disorders. In this study, we first investigated the possible antioxidant, thrombolytic characteristics, analgesic, and antidiarrheal activity of the methanolic crude extract of LM leaves. To assess the antioxidant, thrombolytic, analgesic, and antidiarrheal activity of the crude extract we used DPPH free radical scavenging, clot lysis, acetic acid, and castor oil-induced animal model, respectively. Before applying the extract to the animal model, phytochemical screening was performed to estimate the bioactive compounds (e.g.- phenol, flavonoid, alkaloids, tannins, and others) present. The extract exhibited DPPH free radical scavenging features with an IC50 of 8.99 {micro}g/mL compared to ascorbic acid, an IC50 of 13.38 {micro}g/ml. At 500 mg/kg dose, the extract produced a significant decrease (67.05%) in the frequency of writhings while diclofenac sodium decreased by 74.15%. The extract also significantly (P<0.01) decreased the frequency of diarrhea when compared to the standard drug of loperamide (3mg/kg). Finally, we assessed the clot lysis function as representative of the thrombolytic activity of extracts in comparison to streptokinase and demonstrated clot lysis action (74.15% decrease). From a therapeutic implication, we suggest that crude extract of LMs leaves may contribute to the alternative or additive strategy to modulate conditions such as oxidative stress, clot formation, inflammation and diarrhea.