Study on antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the total aqueous extract from Oxalis corniculata L.

Abstract

Oxalis corniculata L. is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. However, studies on the pharmacological effects of O. corniculata L. remain limited in Vietnam. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the total aqueous extract (TAE) from O. corniculata L.. The antibacterial activity was determined using the agar diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in mice using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model. The results showed that TAE exhibited antibacterial activity against S. aureus (11 mm inhibition zone) at a concentration of 300 mg/ml but showed no significant activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. In the paw edema model, 1000 mg/kg of TAE reduced paw swelling comparable to ibuprofen (7.5 mg/kg) from day 1 to day 6, while 500 mg/kg showed similar effects on days 1, 2, and 4. These findings suggest the potential application of O. corniculata L. in pharmaceutical research and development.