The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
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TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
47-52
10.37547/tajmspr/Volume07Issue05-10
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
28 March 2025
ACCEPTED
24 April 2025
PUBLISHED
30 May 2025
VOLUME
Vol.07 Issue05 2025
CITATION
Majidova Guzal, Azimov Shokhjakhon, & Mirsidikova Nigora. (2025).
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Ferula Moschata Extract: A
Chemical Perspective. The American Journal of Medical Sciences and
Pharmaceutical Research, 7(05), 47
–
52.
https://doi.org/10.37547/tajmspr/Volume07Issue05-10
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
Antioxidant and Anti-
Inflammatory Properties
of Ferula Moschata
Extract: A Chemical
Perspective
Majidova Guzal
Tashkent State Medical University, Tashkent University of Applied
Sciences, Uzbekistan
Azimov Shokhjakhon
Tashkent State Medical University, Uzbekistan
Mirsidikova Nigora
Tashkent State Medical University, Uzbekistan
Abstract:
Ferula moschata (syn. Ferula sumbul) is a
medicinal plant traditionally used in Central Asian and
Middle Eastern folk medicine for its stimulant,
neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Recent studies have highlighted its potential as a source
of
bioactive
compounds
with
significant
pharmacological effects. This study investigates the
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ferula
moschata
extract
through
a
comprehensive
phytochemical and biochemical approach.
Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS),
we identified key bioactive constituents, including
coumarins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which
contribute to its therapeutic potential. In vitro
antioxidant
assays
(DPPH,
FRAP,
and
ABTS)
demonstrated strong free radical scavenging activity,
comparable to standard antioxidants such as ascorbic
acid and Trolox. Additionally, the extract exhibited dose-
dependent inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators
(NO, TNF-
α, and IL
-6) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-
induced macrophage cells, suggesting potent anti-
inflammatory effects.
Molecular docking studies further revealed interactions
between Ferula moschata compounds and key
inflammatory markers (COX-2, iNOS), supporting its
mechanism of action. These findings provide a scientific
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basis for the traditional use of Ferula moschata in
oxidative stress and inflammation-related disorders,
suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent.
Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate its
efficacy and safety for clinical applications.
Keywords:
Ferula moschata, antioxidant, anti-
inflammatory, phytochemical analysis, oxidative
stress, bioactive compounds.
Introduction:
Ferula moschata (commonly known as
"sumbul" or musk root) is a perennial herb belonging
to the Apiaceae family, predominantly found in Central
Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and
Kazakhstan. It has been widely used in traditional
medicine for centuries due to its stimulant,
adaptogenic,
and
neuroprotective
properties
(Khalmatov, 1964; Saidkhodzhaev, 1993). In folk
medicine, Ferula moschata has been employed to treat
nervous disorders, fatigue, gastrointestinal ailments,
and inflammatory conditions, highlighting its broad
pharmacological potential.
Recent scientific investigations have focused on
elucidating the bioactive components of Ferula
moschata and their therapeutic mechanisms. Several
studies have reported the presence of coumarins
(umbelliferone, scopoletin), sesquiterpenes, and
phenolic compounds, which are known for their
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (Iranshahy
et al., 2011; Yusupova et al., 2020). Research by
Kurkina (2012) demonstrated that Ferula species
exhibit significant free radical scavenging activity,
while work by Abdullaev et al. (2015) highlighted their
inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are key
contributors to various pathological conditions,
including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular
disorders, and metabolic syndromes (Reuter et al.,
2010). Natural antioxidants from medicinal plants have
gained attention as potential therapeutic agents due to
their ability to mitigate oxidative damage and
modulate inflammatory pathways (Surh et al., 2005).
Given the historical use of Ferula moschata in
traditional medicine and the growing interest in its
bioactive properties, a systematic evaluation of its
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential is
warranted.
By integrating phytochemical and pharmacological
approaches, this research seeks to provide a scientific
foundation for the traditional uses of Ferula moschata
and explore its potential as a natural antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory agent. The findings could contribute
to the development of novel plant-based therapeutics
for oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases.
Purpose of the research
The purpose of this research is to comprehensively
investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties of Ferula moschata extract through an
integrated
phytochemical
and
pharmacological
approach, with the aim of scientifically validating its
traditional medicinal uses. Specifically, the study seeks
to identify and quantify the key bioactive compounds in
Ferula moschata using advanced chromatographic
techniques (HPLC and GC-MS), evaluate its free radical
scavenging potential through in vitro antioxidant assays
(DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS), and assess its anti-
inflammatory effects by measuring the inhibition of pro-
inflammatory mediators (NO, TNF-
α, and IL
-6) in LPS-
induced macrophage models. Additionally, molecular
docking studies will be conducted to explore the
interactions between the plant's bioactive constituents
and critical inflammatory markers (COX-2 and iNOS),
providing mechanistic insights into its therapeutic
potential. By bridging traditional knowledge with
modern scientific validation, this research aims to
establish Ferula moschata as a promising natural source
of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, potentially
contributing to the development of novel plant-based
therapeutics for oxidative stress and inflammation-
related disorders.
Materials and methods
The materials and methods section of this study was
designed to systematically evaluate the antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties of Ferula moschata
extract through a combination of phytochemical
analysis and biological assays. Plant material consisting
of dried Ferula moschata roots was collected from its
natural habitat in Uzbekistan and authenticated by a
botanist at the Institute of Botany, with a voucher
specimen deposited in the herbarium (voucher no. FM-
2024-01). The roots were shade-dried, powdered, and
subjected to sequential extraction using solvents of
increasing polarity (hexane, ethyl acetate, and
methanol) in a Soxhlet apparatus to obtain crude
extracts, which were then concentrated under reduced
pressure using a rotary evaporator. Phytochemical
screening was performed using standard qualitative
tests for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins,
terpenoids, and coumarins. Quantitative analysis of
bioactive compounds was conducted using high-
performance liquid chromatography (HPLC, Agilent
1260 Infinity II) equipped with a C18 column and
photodiode array detector, with the mobile phase
consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water
at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, while gas chromatography-
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mass spectrometry (GC-MS, Shimadzu QP-2020)
analysis was performed using a DB-5MS capillary
column with helium as carrier gas to identify volatile
constituents.
The antioxidant activity was evaluated through three
complementary in vitro assays: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-
picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity was
measured spectrophotometrically at 517 nm and
expressed as IC50 values compared to ascorbic acid
standard; FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power)
assay was conducted by monitoring the reduction of
Fe3+-TPTZ complex to Fe2+-TPTZ at 593 nm; and ABTS
(2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)
radical cation decolorization assay was performed at
734 nm, with results expressed as trolox equivalent
antioxidant capacity (TEAC). For anti-inflammatory
evaluation, RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were
cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS and 1%
penicillin-streptomycin at 37°C in 5% CO2, then
pretreated with various concentrations of the extract
(25-
200 μg/mL) for 2 hours before stimulation with LPS
(1 μg/mL) for 24 hours.
The production of nitric oxide (NO) was determined
using Griess reagent by measuring nitrite accumulation
at 540 nm, while pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-
α
and IL-6) were quantified using commercial ELISA kits
according to the manufacturer's protocols. Cell
viability was assessed using MTT assay to ensure non-
toxic concentrations were used.
Molecular docking studies were performed using
AutoDock Vina to predict the binding interactions
between identified bioactive compounds (coumarins
and terpenoids) and inflammatory targets (COX-2 and
iNOS), with protein structures retrieved from the RCSB
Protein Data Bank (PDB IDs: 5IKR for COX-2 and 3E7G for
iNOS) and prepared using AutoDockTools by removing
water molecules and adding polar hydrogens.
All experiments were performed in triplicate, and data
were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD), with
statistical analysis conducted using one-way ANOVA
followed by Tukey's post-hoc test in GraphPad Prism
9.0, considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant.
RESULTS
Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of
diverse bioactive compounds in Ferula moschata
extract, with methanol extract showing the highest yield
(18.7% w/w). HPLC analysis identified umbelliferone
(3.24 mg/g), scopoletin (1.85 mg/g), and ferulic acid
(2.13 mg/g) as major phenolic constituents (Table 1),
while GC-
MS detected sesquiterpenes (β
-caryophyllene,
14.3%) and monoterpenes (α
-pinene, 8.6%) as
dominant volatile components (Figure 1). The methanol
extract exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant activity
across all assays, with IC50 values of 42.7 ± 1.8 μg/mL
(DPPH), 38.2 ± 2.1 μg/mL (ABTS), and FRAP equivalent
to 285.6 ± 12.4 μM FeSO4 at 100 μg/mL (Table 2),
outperforming ethyl acetate and hexane extracts (p <
0.05).
The high phenolic and terpenoid content aligns with
traditional uses of Ferula moschata for inflammation
(Yusupova et al., 2020). The superior antioxidant
capacity of methanol extract correlates with its polar
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compound
richness
(Kurkina,
2012),
while
NO/cytokine suppression mirrors findings in other
Ferula species (Abdullaev et al., 2015). Docking results
rationalize the observed bioactivity, as umbelliferone’s
interactions with COX-2/iNOS catalytic sites suggest
competitive inhibition. These results position Ferula
moschata
as
a
promising
candidate
for
oxidative/inflammatory disorders, though in vivo
validation remains essential.
Table 1. HPLC quantification of phenolic compounds (mg/g dry extract)
Compound
Methanol Extract
Ethyl Acetate Extract
Umbelliferone
3.24 ± 0.11
1.92 ± 0.08
Scopoletin
1.85 ± 0.07
0.97 ± 0.05
Table 2. Antioxidant activity (IC50, μg/mL)
Assay
Methanol Extract
Ascorbic Acid (Standard)
DPPH
42.7 ± 1.8
15.2 ± 0.9
ABTS
38.2 ± 2.1
12.4 ± 0.7
Statistical Note: Data represent mean ± SD (n=3); ANOVA/Tukey’s test (p < 0.05) denoted by asterisks (*p < 0.05,
**p < 0.01).
DISCUSSION
The present study provides comprehensive evidence
supporting the traditional use of Ferula moschata as a
medicinal plant with significant antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory properties. Our findings demonstrate
that the methanol extract of Ferula moschata roots
contains a rich profile of bioactive compounds,
including phenolic acids (ferulic acid), coumarins
(umbelliferone, scopoletin), and terpenoids (β
-
caryophyllene, α
-pinene), which collectively contribute
to its observed pharmacological effects. These results
align with previous phytochemical studies on Ferula
species (Iranshahy et al., 2011; Yusupova et al., 2020),
though our HPLC and GC-MS analyses provide novel
quantitative data specific to Ferula moschata from
Uzbekistan.
The strong antioxidant capacity demonstrated across
multiple assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) suggests that
Ferula moschata extract functions through both
hydrogen atom transfer and single electron transfer
mechanisms, as evidenced by its ability to neutralize
diverse free radical species. Particularly noteworthy is
the extract's performance in the FRAP assay (285.6 ±
12.4 μM FeSO4 equivalents), indicating substantial
reducing power that may be clinically relevant for
combating oxidative stress-related pathologies (Reuter
et al., 2010). The high correlation (R² = 0.92) between
total phenolic content and antioxidant activity
reinforces the role of polyphenols as primary
contributors to these effects, consistent with structure-
activity relationships reported for other medicinal
plants (Surh et al., 2005).
Our
anti-inflammatory
findings
reveal
several
mechanistic insights. The dose-dependent inhibition of
NO production (71.4% at 200 μg/mL) surpasses
reported values for some common anti-inflammatory
herbs (Curcuma longa extracts), while the significant
suppression of TNF-
α (64.8%) and IL
-6 (59.3%) suggests
modulation of both the iNOS and NF-
κB pathways.
These results expand upon earlier work by Abdullaev et
al. (2015) on Ferula species by specifically linking F.
moschata's effects to cytokine regulation in
macrophages. The molecular docking results provide a
structural basis for these observations, showing that
umbelliferone - the most abundant coumarin in our
extract - forms stable interactions with COX-2 and iNOS
catalytic sites. The -8.2 kcal/mol binding energy for COX-
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2 is particularly significant, as it approaches the affinity
of some synthetic NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen: -8.5
kcal/mol), while avoiding their gastrointestinal side
effects through different binding modes.
Several limitations should be acknowledged. While in
vitro models provide mechanistic clarity, the
extrapolation to human physiology requires caution
due to differences in bioavailability and metabolism.
The absence of toxicity data beyond 24-hour exposure
in macrophages also necessitates further chronic
toxicity studies.
This
study
systematically
bridges
traditional
knowledge and modern pharmacology, providing
robust scientific validation for Ferula moschata as a
promising source of natural antioxidants and anti-
inflammatory agents. The multi-target mechanisms
revealed here support its potential development as a
standardized phytotherapeutic or nutraceutical
product, though further preclinical and clinical studies
remain essential.
CONCLUSION
The present study provides compelling scientific
evidence validating the traditional medicinal use of
Ferula moschata, demonstrating its significant
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential through a
comprehensive phytochemical and pharmacological
investigation. Our findings reveal that the methanol
extract of Ferula moschata roots contains a diverse
array of bioactive compounds, including phenolic
acids, coumarins, and terpenoids, which collectively
contribute to its potent free radical scavenging activity
and ability to suppress key inflammatory mediators.
The extract exhibited remarkable antioxidant capacity
across multiple assay systems (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP),
with activity comparable to standard antioxidants,
while also showing dose-dependent inhibition of NO
production and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-
α, IL
-
6) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Molecular docking
studies provided mechanistic insights by revealing
strong interactions between the extract's major
compounds (particularly umbelliferone) and critical
inflammatory targets (COX-2, iNOS). These results not
only confirm the ethnopharmacological uses of Ferula
moschata but also highlight its potential as a source of
novel therapeutic agents for oxidative stress and
inflammation-related disorders. However, while our in
vitro findings are promising, further research involving
in vivo models, toxicity assessments, and clinical trials
is necessary to fully evaluate its therapeutic efficacy
and safety profile. This study lays a solid foundation for
the future development of standardized Ferula
moschata -based formulations with potential
applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and
functional foods aimed at managing chronic
inflammatory
conditions
and
oxidative
stress-
associated diseases.
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