Anti‐Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Molecular Docking and Pharmacokinetics Properties of Cycloeucalenone Isolated From <i>Musa</i> × <i>paradisiaca</i> L. Fruit Peels

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study isolated a compound with anti‐inflammatory properties from Musa × paradisiaca fruit peels. The methanol extract was partitioned, and the hexane fraction with the best bioactivity was subjected to column chromatography before characterization via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV–visible (UV–VIS) and NMR analysis. The in vivo anti‐inflammatory properties of the methanol extract and hexane fraction were investigated using the formalin‐induced oedema model in rats. The compound's antioxidant, red blood cell (RBC) membrane stabilization and phospholipase‐A2 (PL‐A2) inhibitory effects were evaluated in vitro. The UV–VIS spectrum at 222 nm absorbance and FTIR absorption at 2922, 2855, 1707, 1643, 1453 and 1375 cm −1 with proton and carbon‐13 spectra suggest the compound is a steroid. The in vivo anti‐inflammatory assay showed significant oedema reduction of the hexane fraction at 200 mg/kg. The compound also displayed Fe 3+ reduction and scavenged free radical molecules while showing PL‐A2 inhibition and the ability to limit RBC haemolysis. The compound also presented stronger affinities for PL‐A2 (−7.6 kcal/mol) and NF‐κB (−6.0 kcal/mol) than indomethacin and ibuprofen drugs, with a favourable pharmacokinetic model. Though M . × paradisiaca fruit peels are often discarded as waste, our study highlights a sustainable approach to the reutilization of this plant material as a source of a lead molecule for inflammatory disease management.