Therapeutic Potential and Toxicological Profile of Carpobrotus edulis Extract

Abstract

Carpobrotus edulis (C. edulis) commonly known as sour fig, from the Aizoaceae family is a widespread plant species prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. The plant is extensively utilized in traditional medicine for various ailments, including sore throat, bad breath, mouth ulcers, and tonsillitis. The endpoint biomarkers of the tonsillitis diseased state include inflammation, pain and degeneration of cells and tissues. The current therapeutic approaches for managing tonsillitis are characterized by several limitations such as adverse side effects and prohibitive costs. This, therefore, necessitates the need to explore safer, effective, and affordable alternatives that can inhibit, ameliorate, and/or reverse the biological endpoints of tonsillitis. Our current study qualitatively and quantitatively determined the phytoconstituents of Carpobrotus edulis, as well as its activity as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent. The phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of numerous biomedically relevant secondary metabolites with high polyphenolic and flavonoid yields. The biosafety study using Sprague Dawley rat models confirmed that Carpobrotus edulis is non-toxic with an LD50 above 2000mg/kg. The hydroethanolic extract demonstrated both high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which were comparable to the standards, ascorbic acid and diclofenac, respectively. It was therefore concluded that the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites in lyophilized extracts of the leaves of Carpobrotus edulis possess satisfactory anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant profiles. These results thereby support the use of Carpobrotus edulis as an adjunct therapy for known biological endpoints of tonsillitis in traditional medical practices in Southern Africa.