Targeting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation with Vitis vinifera Leaf Extract: A Combined Experimental and Computational Pharmacological Study

Objectives: Our study aimed to examine the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential of the lyophilized aqueous leaf extract of Vitis vinifera. Methods: The antioxidant capacity of the extract was evaluated using the DPPH and FRAP assays. The in vivo phase of the study included 40 male Wistar albino rats. One half of the animals were used to induce the carrageenan model of acute inflammation, while the other half were used for examination of the extract effect on the redox state. Rats from the experimental group drank tap water containing 150 mg/kg Vitis vinifera extract for 14 days, while control animals received saline at the same volume. The molecular docking studies of polyphenols present in the leaf extract were conducted in AutoDock Vina. Results: In vitro assessment of the antioxidative capacity of the applied extract revealed significant free radical scavenging activity (IC50 value 11.63 µg/mL), along with a pronounced ferric reducing ability (0.143 at 700 nm). Moreover, animal treatment with the extract led to significant paw edema inhibition (30.34%, 35.06%, and 41.54% in the second, third, and fourth hours, respectively) and to pro-oxidative marker reduction. Additionally, Vitis vinifera extract significantly increased catalase activity and glutathione levels. The in silico results showed that rutin binds to cyclooxygenase 1 (−8.2 kcal/mol) and 2 (−8.3 kcal/mol), as well as to antioxidant enzymes (catalase: −8.6 kcal/mol, SOD: −7.4 kcal/mol), indicating its key role in mediating the biological activity of the tested extract. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of V. vinifera lyophilized aqueous leaf extract from the Serbian market, supported by both in vivo and in silico analyses.