Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Gomphrenin-Rich Fraction from Basella alba L. f. rubra Fruits

Background/Objectives: Basella alba L. (Malabar spinach, Basellaceae), widely consumed as a leafy vegetable, produces dark-colored fruits rich in betacyanins, including rare 6-glycosylated derivatives called gomphrenins. Comprehensive studies on the anti-inflammatory potential of its gomphrenin fraction (A) and crude extract (B) employed various analytical and biological methods. Methods: Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects were tested on human and animal cell models using SRB, DCF-DA, Griess, MDA, and ELISA assays. Results: Both the crude extract and enriched gomphrenin fraction exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in vitro. They inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6, reduced oxidative stress markers (ROS, NO), and decreased lipid peroxidation. The enriched gomphrenin fraction (A) showed stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in reducing ROS and NO levels, though not always concentration-dependent. Both A and B inhibited NF-κB and COX activity. Conclusions: These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of B. alba f. rubra fruit extract and betalain fraction for inflammation-related conditions, encouraging further exploration of their mechanisms and application.