Estimation of the phenolic content and in vivo evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activity of Rhus pentaphylla leaf and fruit extracts from Morocco

The present study aimed to estimate the phenolic compounds and evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activity of Rhus pentaphylla leaf and fruit extracts in rodents. Phytochemical identification of the extracts was performed using HPLC technique. The anti-inflammatory property of the extracts was studied using three animal models of inflammation: xylene-induced ear swelling in Swiss albino mice, paw edoema and carrageenan-induced air pocketing in Sprague Dawley rats. The antiulcer activity of the extracts was evaluated through HCl/ethanol-induced acute gastric lesions in rats. HPLC results revealed the presence of epicatechin, caffeic acid and rutin in the leaf extract, while quercetin and kaempferol were identified in the fruit extract. Both leaf and fruit extracts demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory potential. Additionally, the extracts inhibited leukocyte migration and exhibited a strong gastroprotective effect. These remarkable in vivo pharmacological activities of Rhus pentaphylla extracts, linked to their bioactive compounds, demonstrate their potential for possible therapeutic applications.