Pharmacognostic and AntiInflammatory Properties of Securigera securidaca Seeds and Seed Oil

Background and objectives: Although weed plants are considered undesirable in a particular situation, some weed seeds can be a valuable and cheap source of therapeutic natural compounds. Securigera securidaca (L.) Degen Dorfl (Fabaceae) is widely distributed in Europe, Australia and Asia as a weed plant. This study investigated the bioactive compounds of S. securidaca seeds as well as its potential antiinflammatory properties. Methods:  The fatty acid and sterol content were investigated with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS) and phenolic compounds were detected using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The thermostability of the oil was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Formalininduced paw licking test and myeloperoxidase activity were investigated. The study was conducted by creating six groups of rats including a control group (vehicletreated rats, 250 µL/kg, i.p.), formalin group (50 µL of 2.5% formalin), positive control (paracetamol, 100 mg/kg, i.p), and groups of S. securidaca seed oil (250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 μl/kg, i.p). Results: S. securidaca seeds contained a high level of polyunsaturated fatty acid content including linoleic acid (64.602 ± 0.793%) and oleic acid (15.353 ± 0.461%). Stigmasterol and campesterol were not detected in the oil but it contained esterified βsitosterol (6.621 ± 0.08 mg/g). The seed oil couldn’t create a significant reduction in the MPO activity. It showed a slight but not significant effect on formalininduced pain reduction. Conclusion: The seed is a rich source of linoleic acid which makes it a good candidate to be used in the pharmaceutical industry.