ABSTRACT:
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5- Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) are major enzymes involved in inflammatory pathways and plays a key role in the pathophysiology of various inflammatory diseases and several cancers. Cucumis ficifolius is a perennial herb belongs to the family name Cucurbitaceae, traditionally its roots have been used to treat abdominal cramp and the fresh fruit with an end cut off is applied for inflamed fingers. Based on the traditional importance the plant, it was selected for the screening of anti-inflammatory activity. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of organic root extract of C. ficifolius by COX-2 and 5- LOX inhibitory activities by ELISA method. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of ethanolic root extract of Cucumis ficifolius revealed that the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, quinones, and carbohydrates. Among all the tested extracts, the ethanolic root extract of C.ficifolius showed significant 5-LOX (60.14% at 100 µg/ml with IC50 values of 66.25µg/ml) and COX-2, selective inhibitory activity. (36.55% at 100 µg/ml with IC50 140.10 µg/ml. The present study concluded that the ethanolic root extract of C. ficifolius (CFRET) is a promising source for the isolation and development of 5-LOX and COX-2 dual inhibitory compound for management of inflammatory disease.