Medicinal Attributes of Garuga pinnata Roxb.: A Systematic Exploration of Its Analgesic, Antidiarrheal, Hypoglycemic, and Cytotoxic Activities

Abstract

This study strived to investigate the phytochemical components and therapeutic potentials of Garuga pinnata Roxb. (Burseraceae) leaves, a prominent source of natural product-derived medicine, including analgesic, antidiarrheal, hypoglycemic, and cytotoxic properties. The methanolic extract of G. pinnata leaves (MEGP) and its N-hexane (NHGP) and ethyl acetate (EAGP) fractions were evaluated upon the completion of phytochemical screening using both in vivo (Swiss albino mice) and in vitro approaches. The analgesic activity was conducted through the acetic acid-induced writhing method and the tail immersion method, while the antidiarrheal activity was evaluated using the castor oil-induced diarrheal model. The hypoglycemic effect was assessed through an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), whereas the brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) was used to determine the cytotoxic potential of the extract. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. In the writhing test, MEGP at 400 mg/kg exhibited the highest analgesic effect (p<0.001). Similarly, in the tail immersion test, MEGP at 400 mg/kg showed maximum response time (7.25 ± 0.11 s, p<0.001), indicating significant central analgesic activity. MEGP demonstrated higher inhibition of defecation and diarrhea compared to other fractions, highlighting its efficacy in reducing diarrheal symptoms. MEGP at 400 mg/kg significantly reduced blood glucose levels (4.6 ± 0.27 mmol/L, p<0.001), suggesting potent hypoglycemic activity. MEGP exhibited strong cytotoxic effects with an LC50 value of 52.58 µg/mL, compared to the standard vincristine sulfate (LC50 = 1.71 µg/mL). G. pinnata shows promise as a rich source of bioactive compounds for the treatment of pain, diarrhea, diabetes, and cancer. Further studies are required to differentiate and characterize the active constituents responsible for these pharmacological activities.