Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Ferula Moschata Extract: A Chemical Perspective

Аннотация

Ferula moschata (syn. Ferula sumbul) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Central Asian and Middle Eastern folk medicine for its stimulant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have highlighted its potential as a source of bioactive compounds with significant pharmacological effects. This study investigates the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ferula moschata extract through a comprehensive phytochemical and biochemical approach. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we identified key bioactive constituents, including coumarins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to its therapeutic potential. In vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS) demonstrated strong free radical scavenging activity, comparable to standard antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and Trolox. Additionally, the extract exhibited dose- dependent inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, TNF-α, and IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced macrophage cells, suggesting potent anti- inflammatory effects. Molecular docking studies further revealed interactions between Ferula moschata compounds and key inflammatory markers (COX-2, iNOS), supporting its mechanism of action. These findings provide a scientific The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research 42 https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajmspr The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research basis for the traditional use of Ferula moschata in to the development of novel plant-based therapeutics oxidative stress and inflammation-related disorders, for oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases. suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. Purpose of the research Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate its The purpose of this research is to comprehensively efficacy and safety for clinical applications. investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ferula moschata extract through an Keywords: Ferula moschata, antioxidant, anti- integrated phytochemical and pharmacological inflammatory, phytochemical analysis, oxidative approach, with the aim of scientifically validating its stress, bioactive compounds. traditional medicinal uses. Specifically, the study seeks to identify and quantify the key bioactive compounds in Ferula moschata using advanced chromatographic Introduction: Ferula moschata (commonly known as techniques (HPLC and GC-MS), evaluate its free radical "sumbul" or musk root) is a perennial herb belonging scavenging potential through in vitro antioxidant assays to the Apiaceae family, predominantly found in Central (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS), and assess its anti- Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and inflammatory effects by measuring the inhibition of pro- Kazakhstan. It has been widely used in traditional inflammatory mediators (NO, TNF-α, and IL-6) in LPS- medicine for centuries due to its stimulant, induced macrophage models. Additionally, molecular adaptogenic, and neuroprotective properties docking studies will be conducted to explore the (Khalmatov, 1964; Saidkhodzhaev, 1993). In folk interactions between the plant's bioactive constituents medicine, Ferula moschata has been employed to treat and critical inflammatory markers (COX-2 and iNOS), nervous disorders, fatigue, gastrointestinal ailments, providing mechanistic insights into its therapeutic and inflammatory conditions, highlighting its broad potential. By bridging traditional knowledge with pharmacological potential. modern scientific validation, this research aims to Recent scientific investigations have focused on establish Ferula moschata as a promising natural source elucidating the bioactive components of Ferula of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, potentially moschata and their therapeutic mechanisms. Several contributing to the development of novel plant-based studies have reported the presence of coumarins therapeutics for oxidative stress and inflammation- (umbelliferone, scopoletin), sesquiterpenes, and related disorders. phenolic compounds, which are known for their