RP-HPLC estimation of flavonol derivatives and phenolic acids in Capsicum annuum L. and their correlation with in vitro anti-inflammatory activity.

In most of the quercetin and salicylic acid important properties, its ability to modulate inflammation is significant. However in Capsicum annuum, quercetin and salicylic acid anti-inflammatory activity was not correlated and elucidated.In the present study quercetin and salicylic acid in Capsicum annuum was estimated and its in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity was determined.Estimation of quercetin and salicylic acid in Capsicum annuum was done using RP-HPLC. In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of Capsicum annuum, quercetin and salicylic acid was compared and correlation was established.The results were found to be significant with percentage yield of methanolic extract of Capsicum annuum, to be (1.9 ±0.2 %). Using RP-HPLC quercetin was estimated (0.0223±0.0012%) while salicylic acid was found to be (0.0598±0.0029%). A comparative in-vitro anti- inflammatory study showed noteworthy results. Primarily the inhibition of protein (albumin) denaturation and antiproteinase activity was studied and was found maximum in quercetin with (98.230±1.589%) and (59.906±1.529%) respectively. Heat induced haemolysis of erythrocytes showed maximum in salicylic acid (71.830±2.838%). Whereas hypotonicity induced haemolysis showed significant activity with quercetin (76.770±3.475%). When LOX and COX inhibition was estimated it was found maximum in quercetin with (56.930±4.069%) and (61.660±3.135%) respectively.When correlation was established a strong positive correlation of 0.9 was observed, thereby postulating the role of quercetin and salicylic acid to be the active phytochemical of Capsicum annuum for its anti-inflammatory activity. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the phytochemicals accountable for its anti-inflammatory activity and to develop better herbal drug formulations.