Abstract

Vennila V*, Deepa B, Sangavi R.

ABSTRACT

Back ground: The present study investigates the invitro antioxidant and anti-arthritic activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Sm. rhizome, a medicinal fern traditionally used for the treatment of bone fractures, rheumatism, and inflammatory disorders. Materials and Methods: The rhizomes were shade-dried, powdered, and extracted successively with water and ethanol using the Soxhlet method. The extracts were subjected to the antioxidant potential of both extracts was evaluated using phosphomolybdenum and reducing power assay, while the anti-arthritic property was assessed through the inhibition of protein denaturation method. Ascorbic acid and diclofenac sodium were used as standard reference drugs for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory comparisons, respectively. Results: Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The ethanolic extract demonstrated higher antioxidant activity (38.65%) and reducing power (37.59%) compared to the aqueous extract, indicating the presence of potent antioxidant constituents. Similarly, the ethanolic extract showed significant inhibition of protein denaturation (63.25%), comparable to the standard diclofenac sodium (65.33%). Conclusion: The results suggest that D. quercifolia rhizome possesses bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, supporting its traditional medicinal use. The enhanced activity of the ethanolic extract may be attributed to its higher content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Further in vivo and pharmacological investigations are recommended to isolate, characterize, and validate the active principles responsible for these effects, paving the way for its development as a natural anti-arthritic agent.