Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activities of Baeckea frutescens Branches Ethanolic Extract on RAW 264.7 Cells
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.13265Keywords:
Baeckea frutescens, Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Hydrogen peroxide, Superoxide dismutase, DCFH-DA, RAW 264.7Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) at low concentrations play an important role in cellular signaling, immune function, and cell proliferation. However, excessive ROS can damage cellular components and induce inflammation, contributing to the progression of diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. This study examines the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of an ethanolic extract from Baeckea frutescens L. branches (BFBE), using RAW 264.7 murine macrophages as the experimental model. The phytochemical screening was conducted using standard tests while the antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract was evaluated using the DPPH and FRAP assays. Additionally, the study measured intracellular ROS levels and conducted antioxidant enzyme assays to determine the antioxidant capacity of the Baeckea frutescens branches ethanolic extract. Phytochemical screening revealed that the extract contains high levels of saponins and hydrolysable tannins, moderate levels of flavonoids, and a lower concentration of steroids. Alkaloids and triterpenoids were not detected. In the DPPH assay, the extract exhibited concentration-dependent free radical scavenging activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 86.16 μg/mL. The FRAP assay further supported its antioxidant potential, showing a gallic acid equivalent of 31.91 μM at 1,000 μg/mL of extract. Beyond these chemical assays, BFBE demonstrated a potential dual antioxidant effect within the macrophage model. It not only directly scavenged ROS but also helped maintain superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity under elevated ROS generation induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), while no significant changes were observed in catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. These findings suggest that the antioxidant effects of BFBE may involve both chemical antioxidant activity and modulation of cellular antioxidant responses. The study supports the potential of BFBE as a natural therapeutic agent for managing elevated ROS generation and oxidative stress. Further research is recommended to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and evaluate its in vivo efficacy.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ethanolic extract of Baeckea frutescens branches is rich in saponins and hydrolysable tannins, with moderate flavonoid content.
- The extract exhibits strong antioxidant capacity, demonstrated by DPPH radical scavenging (IC₅₀ = 86.16 μg/mL) and FRAP reducing power assays.
- In RAW 264.7 murine macrophages, the extract significantly attenuates H₂O₂-induced intracellular ROS generation in a dose-dependent manner.
- The antioxidant effect appears to involve direct ROS scavenging and a protective effect on superoxide dismutase activity under elevated ROS generation.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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