Exploring the ameliorative role of Equisetum diffusum D. Don whole-plant methanolic-extract in acute inflammation and molecular docking analysis of GC-MS-identified phytocompounds with few prominent inflammatory markers/cytokines for inspecting the potent drug targets.

Abstract

Abstract Equisetum diffusum D. Don (Fam. Equisetaceae), commonly known as ‘Himalayan horsetail’ is an important medicinal pteridophyte species having various ethnobotanical properties; and traditionally been used in the treatment of back pain, bone fracture, bone dislocation, and arthritis by various tribal communities of India. Although the pharmacological uses are known, no study related to its ethnobotanical validation in experimental animal models has been reported till date. The goal of the present study was to validate the anti-inflammatory properties of the whole plant methanolic-extract (EDME) using in silico, in vitro,and in vivo strategies. The GC-MS analysis of EDME detected the presence of 47 phyto-compounds, out of which Stigmasta-3,5-dien-7-one and 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl showed good inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and IL-6 respectively compared to standard NSAIDs, in docking analysis. In vitro anti-inflammatory studies indicated that EDME inhibits 48.2 ± 3.74% of protein denaturation at a concentration of 1000 μg/ml compared to standard diclofenac sodium (57.6 ± 3.70%at 100 μg/ml concentration). The similar concentration (1000 μg/ml) of extract inhibits heat-induced (33.6 ± 2.55%) and hypotonicity-induced (58.1 ± 3.39%) erythrocyte membrane lyses respectively, compared to indomethacin standard (45.6 ± 2.36% and 67.2 ± 1.45% respectively at 200 μg/ml concentration). The in vivoanti-inflammatory study of EDME showed 52.26% and 73.36% reduction in paw-edema in both low and high-dose protective groups respectively, when compared to the carrageenan control-group. Our findings established the anti-inflammatory roles of the whole plant methanolic extract of Equisetum diffusum on strong ground which may encourage drug-development for the treatment of inflammation-related complications.