ANTIOXIDANT-MEDIATED ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS OF VERBENA OFFICINALIS ROOT EXTRACT IN EXPERIMENTAL MODELS

Ayushi Dewra*, Dr. Rajesh Nagar, Dr. Sudha Vengurlekar, Shikhar Rathore, Dr. Jeevan Patel

Arthritis and other inflammatory disorders are closely associated with oxidative stress and excessive production of inflammatory mediators. The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of the ethanolic root extract of Verbena officinalis through in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and saponins. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays. The extract exhibited significant concentration-dependent radical scavenging and reducing activities, indicating strong antioxidant potential. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in Wistar rats. Animals treated with Verbena officinalis extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant reduction in paw edema compared with the control group. At 4 h, the extract produced 42.97% and 52.34% inhibition of edema at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively, while diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg) produced 57.81% inhibition. The higher dose demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity comparable to the standard drug. The observed pharmacological effects may be attributed to the synergistic action of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties through free radical scavenging and modulation of inflammatory pathways. These findings provide scientific support for the traditional medicinal use of Verbena officinalis and suggest that its root extract may serve as a promising natural source for the development of plant-based antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Further studies on active compound isolation, molecular mechanisms, toxicity, and clinical efficacy are warranted.