Evaluation of anti-HMG-CoA reductase potential and simultaneous determination of phenolic compounds in hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus cunia fruits by RP-HPLC

Ficus cunia is used by many tribes in India to combat several disease conditions such as liver disease, ulcer, dysentery, gynecological disorders and has been reported for the existence of various phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are highly spread and broadly dispersed in medicinal plants and are known for several health maintenance abilities. Medicinal plants comprising phenolic compounds display antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities which may play a vital role in controlling hypercholesterolemia. Free radicals are responsible for the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. Hypercholesterolemia is supposed to arise from oxidative stress. The purpose of the study was to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-HMG-CoA reductase potential along with the simultaneous determination of phenolic compounds in hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus cunia fruits. In the current study estimation of total phenol and flavonoid content, in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-HMG-CoA reductase screening and a simple and consistent high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method were established for simultaneous determination of phenolic compounds (gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, rutin, ellagic acid and quercetin) in the hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus cunia fruits (HAFC). Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents in the HAFC were found 58.12±3.6 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 23.01±1.35 mg quercetin equivalents/g, respectively. HAFC showed good antioxidant activity (IC50=34.93±2.34 μg/ml for DPPH; IC50=49.25±2.3 μg/ml for ABTS). The FRAP and ORAC values of HFAC were found as 87.41±2.98 mg of ascorbic acid equivalents/g and 105±3.82 μM trolox/g extract. Anti-inflammatory activity was significant and increased gradually with concentration. HAFC showed promising inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase (IC50=37.50±1.80 μg/ml). The optimized HPLC method was performed for 65 min with detection wavelengths of 254, 278 and 300 nm, gradient elution system on a ZorbaxSB-C18Reversed phase column. The developed system was assessed by validation as per ICH guidelines. The results showed that ellagic acid was found in the highest amount (11.34±.01 mg/g) followed by catechin (5.18±.02) and gallic acid (4.23±.05) among the examined phenolic compounds while caffeic acid was not detected. The results of the present study suggest that the Ficus cunia extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory potential and is capable of lowering cholesterol levels. The developed RP-HPLC method may be useful for the quality control of plant extracts/herbal products.