Phytochemical screening and in vitro anti-inflammatory evaluation of Garcinia mangostana peel extract

Abstract

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism that can become harmful when chronic, contributing to several degenerative diseases. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Garcinia mangostana  peel extract. The peels were macerated in 70 percent ethanol, and qualitative screening revealed the presence of xanthones, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, triterpenoids, and glycosides, while alkaloids were absent. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed through inhibition of Bovine Serum Albumin and egg albumin denaturation, with aspirin serving as the reference drug. The extract demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of Bovine Serum Albumin denaturation ranging from 58.45 to 73.50 percent, closely comparable to aspirin 66.90 to 76.20 percent. In the egg albumin assay, inhibition increased from 12.80 to 33.40 percent, while aspirin showed 30.40 to 52.60 percent. The strong presence of xanthones and flavonoids likely contributes to the observed effects by stabilizing protein structures and preventing heat-induced denaturation. These findings confirm that Garcinia mangostana peel extract possesses promising anti-inflammatory potential, supporting its traditional medicinal use and highlighting its value as a natural source for developing safer anti-inflammatory agents.