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

Abstract

This study aimed to isolate and characterize humic acid from peat soil and assess its biological activity. The peat soil was validated with soil characterization tests, which assessed bulk density, organic matter content, and color. The degree of humification was assessed using the E4/E6 ratio (1.334) and log K value (0.058), showing a well-humified humic material. Humic acid was obtained by the alkaline-acid precipitation technique. The antioxidant activity, evaluated via the DPPH radical scavenging assay, demonstrated 58.69% inhibition at a dosage of 800 μg/mL concentration. The anti-inflammatory efficacy was assessed via the HRBC membrane stabilization method with human blood at three distinct concentrations, with E2 (200 μg/mL) demonstrating the greatest inhibition (35%) relative to diclofenac sodium as the reference standard. The Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC), obtained by the acid-base back titration method, validated modest buffering capability. Overall, the extracted Humic acid demonstrated promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neutralizing properties.