Extraction of humic acid from peat soil and evaluation of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antacid properties

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the biological activity of humic acid and to separate and describe it from peat soil. Tests for soil characterization that evaluated bulk density, organic matter content, and color were used to validate the peat soil. The log K value (0.070) and E4/E6 ratio (1.174) were used to measure the degree of humification, and the results indicated a well-humified humic substance. The alkaline-acid precipitation method was used to produce humic acid. The antioxidant activity showed 58.69% inhibition at a dosage of 800 μg/mL concentration, as assessed by the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Using human blood at three different doses and the HRBC membrane stabilization method, the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated. E2 (200 μg/mL) showed the highest inhibition (35%) in comparison to the reference standard, diclofenac sodium. Modest buffering capability was confirmed by the Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC), which was determined using the acid-base back titration method. All things considered, the isolated humic acid showed encouraging neutralizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities.