Abstract

IN VITRO ASSESSMENT OF PROTEIN DENATURATION INHIBITION BY THUNBERGIA GRANDIFLORA: A HERBAL APPROACH TO INFLAMMATION MANAGEMENT

*Madhubala S., Mukilarasan A., Sanjeshwaran R., Suryaprasath S. and Suganthi R.

ABSTRACT

The study investigates the anti-inflammatory potential of an ointment formulated with Thunbergia grandiflora leaf extract, a plant known for its traditional medicinal applications. Leaves of T. grandiflora were collected, shade dried, and extracted using the Soxhlet extraction method, which ensured efficient recovery of bioactive constituents while maintaining compound integrity. The extract was then incorporated into ointment formulations with standard excipients such as wool fat, cetostearyl alcohol, hard paraffin, and yellow soft paraffin, which were evaluated for their physical and organoleptic properties. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in vitro using an albumin denaturation assay at varying concentrations. Results demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation, with the highest concentration (500 μg/ml) achieving a mean inhibition of 37.8%compared to 80% by the standard, acetyl salicylic acid. The formulated ointment batches exhibited desirable physiochemical characteristics—smooth consistency, good spreadability and washability, a non-irritant nature, and pH values in the range of 5.5–6—indicating suitability for topical application. The findings support the potential of Thunbergia grandiflora extract as an anti-inflammatory agent in topical formulations and justify further investigation for the development of effective, plant-based therapeutic interventions for inflammatory disorders.

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