Seed oil of Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don. demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in experimental rodent models through suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced expression of Nrf2.
Ologe Mary O, Ajayi Abayomi M, Aghariagbonse Monday O, Ogundeyi Kehinde Joshua, Abbas Gbemisayo Adetomiwa, Alabi Akinyinka O, Umukoro Solomon
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: The seed of the African cherry, Chrysophyllum albidum is well-known for its use in ethnomedicine for malaria, yellow fever, stomach ache and inflammatory disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of Chrysophyllum albidum Seed Oil (CASO) in rodent models of carrageenan-induced acute inflammation and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The phytochemical profile of n-hexane seed oil from C. albidum was determined via GC-MS following Soxhlet extraction. Anti-inflammatory activity of CASO was determined in carrageenan-induced air pouch and CFA-induced arthritis in rats and mice, respectively. Biochemical indices such as serum lipid profile, pouch exudates and joints markers of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory mediators and apoptosis were determined. Immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and joint histology were also evaluated. RESULTS: GC-MS analysis identified key bioactive compounds in CASO, including n-hexadecanoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, and D-limonene. CASO treatment significantly decreased vascular permeability, leukocyte infiltration, and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6, in the carrageenan-induced air pouch model. Antioxidant defenses were enhanced as evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde and restored glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities. In the CFA-arthritis model, CASO significantly reduced paw edema and normalized disturbed lipid profiles and atherogenic indices. Additionally, CASO lowered joint tissue levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and pro-apoptotic markers (caspases-3 and -9), while preserving joint histoarchitecture. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed enhanced expression of Nrf2. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that Chrysophyllum albidum seed oil effectively mitigates inflammatory edema, reduces lipid peroxidation, restores endogenous antioxidant enzymes, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, and caspases, and enhanced Nrf2 in inflammatory models.
Key Findings
- Chrysophyllum albidum seed oil (CASO) contains bioactive compounds such as n-hexadecanoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, and D-limonene.
- CASO treatment reduced vascular permeability, leukocyte infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in rodent inflammation models.
- CASO enhanced antioxidant defenses by reducing malondialdehyde and restoring glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities.
- In arthritis models, CASO reduced paw edema, normalized lipid profiles, decreased pro-apoptotic markers, and preserved joint histology.
- Immunohistochemistry showed that CASO increased expression of Nrf2, a key regulator of antioxidant response.
Clinical Significance
Chrysophyllum albidum seed oil demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions by enhancing antioxidant defenses and suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators through Nrf2 activation.
Citation
Ologe Mary O, Ajayi Abayomi M, Aghariagbonse Monday Oet al.. Seed oil of Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don. demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in experimental rodent models through suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced expression of Nrf2. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2026-Apr-24.