Benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives as chemophenetic markers and in silico anti-inflammatory hits of Gloriosa superba

Abstract

Gloriosa superba is a well-known Ayurvedic and African medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The chemical investigation of the aerial parts of G. superba led to the isolation and identification of thirteen compounds (1–13) classified as two benzoic acids (1–2), three cinnamic acids (3–5), four triterpenoids grouped as two oleananes (6–7) and two lupanes (8–9), and four phytosteroids (10–13). The chemophenetic significance of these compounds was examined, and cinnamic and benzoic acids were proposed as specific chemomarkers in addition to colchicine-like alkaloids. The in silico studies were performed on compounds (1–13) along with colchicine (14) and gloriosine (15), using murine cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (PDB ID: 4M11) and ovine cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) (PDB ID: 4O1Z) to predict the anti-inflammatory potential of G. superba. Compounds 1–3 and 5 demonstrated moderate binding affinities (− 6.571 to − 5.374 kcal/mol) to 4M11, with 2 (− 6.571 kcal/mol) being the most active. Compounds 1–5, 14, and 15 showed notable binding affinities (− 10.176 to − 5.237 kcal/mol) to 4O1Z, with compounds 4 (− 10.176 kcal/mol), 5 (− 7.840 kcal/mol), 14 (− 8.906 kcal/mol), and 15 (− 8.877 kcal/mol) being more active than the reference (Meloxicam, − 7.172 kcal/mol). For drug-likeness evaluation (ADME), compounds 1–5 and 14–15 were assessed. Compounds 1–3 emerged as more viable leads due to their superior pharmacokinetic, physicochemical, and medicinal chemistry attributes. These results are consistent with the traditional use of G. superba as a poultice for inflamed skin.