Abstract
Ficus umbellata Vahl (Moraceae), is a plant with health benefits involved in the management of menopause physiological disorders and cancers. This study aimed at investigating the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous (FUAq) and methanolic (FUMeOH) extracts of Ficus umbellata. Their antioxidant activities were assayed by free radical scavenging using DPPH and ABTS assays, total antioxidant capacity, and ferrous reducing power (FRAP). Further, the effects of FUAq and FUMeOH on murine erythrocyte membrane hemolysis and protein denaturation were investigated. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was determined in Wistar rats with carrageenan-induced paw oedema. At tested concentrations, FUAq and FUMeOH demonstrated strong radical scavenging that was dose- and time-dependent, as well as total antioxidant capacity and ferrous ions reducing power. Moreover, they were able to stabilize murine red blood cell membranes against heat induced hemolysis and inhibit the denaturation of egg albumin at concentrations ranging from 0.125–2 mg/mL. Ficus umbellata methanolic extract at doses of 50 and 200 mg/kg endow antiedematous properties with edema inhibition percentages of 71.16 ± 1.72% and 72.98 ± 7.51%, respectively. Our findings shed light on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ficus umbellata that could be used in novel and safe strategies to overwhelm oxidative and inflammatory related diseases.