In-vitro Assessment of Antioxidant Potential and Thrombolytic Activity of Clerodendrum viscosum Leaf Extract

Abstract

This study investigated the antioxidant and thrombolytic activities of methanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum viscosum, a medicinal plant of the Lamiaceae family traditionally used for therapeutic purposes. The antioxidant potential was evaluated through DPPH radical scavenging activity, while total flavonoid and phenolic contents were quantified. The DPPH assay measures the inhibition of pre-formed free radicals, expressed as IC50, the concentration required to achieve 50% antioxidant effect. Additionally, thrombolytic activity was evaluated using an in vitro clot lysis assay. The methanol extract exhibited a significant antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 66.68 μg/ml, compared to 7480.09 μg/ml for standard ascorbic acid. Total flavonoid content was highest in the methanol extract (319.94 mg QE/g, R² = 0.9878), and total phenolic content was 130.69 mg GAE/g (R² = 0.9983), indicating substantial phytochemical presence. The methanol extract of C. viscosum leaves induced 27.59% clot lysis, whereas the standard streptokinase showed 86.98% activity. The results suggest that C. viscosum leaves possess moderate antioxidant properties, supporting their potential use in traditional medicine, although further studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. In addition, the plant possesses mild thrombolytic properties, highlighting its therapeutic potential as a natural source for drug development. Overall, Clerodendrum viscosum demonstrates notable bioactive properties, warranting further pharmacological investigations to explore its efficacy and mechanism of action for antioxidant and thrombolytic applications.