Anti-inflammatory Effects and Toxicity Study of Chemically Characterized Extracts from <i>Juniperus thurifera</i> (L.) and <i>Juniperus phoenicea</i> (L.)

Abstract

Background Moroccan traditional medicine utilizes Juniperus thurifera and Juniperus phoenicea to treat numerous ailments. Objectives This research investigates the chemical composition, acute toxicity, and anti-inflammatory properties of J. thurifera (L.) and J. phoenicea (L.) hydroethanolic extracts. Materials and Methods High-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) identified the chemical makeup of J. phoenicea and J. thurifera hydroethanolic extracts. We tested the acute toxicity of hydroethanolic extracts of J. thurifera (T) and J. phoenicea (P) leaves in Wistar rats by gastric gavage at doses of 300, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg. Wistar rats were injected with 1% carrageenan in the plantar fascia to assess anti-inflammatory activity. Results Chemical investigation of the extracts revealed gallic acid, urocanic acid, linalool, ferulic acid, and mefenamic acid. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels did not significantly vary based on biochemical markers, including urea, creatinine (CR), AST, and ALT. Both extracts increased CR and urea, especially J. phoenicea , at 1,000 mg/kg. The hydroethanolic extracts of J. phoenicea (P) and J. thurifera (T) demonstrated 100% and 40% edema-inhibiting action at 6 h, respectively. Conclusion The investigated extracts exhibited a strong anti-inflammatory effect. However, they may harm the kidneys, particularly J. phoenicea , which may explain why J. thurifera is overused.