Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Passiflora foetida L

ObjectiveTo investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Passiflora foetida (P. foetida) leaves.MethodsEthanol extract of P. foetida leaf was evaluated for analgesic action by acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate method in albino mice. The anti-inflammatory property of ethanolic leaf extract was tested by carrageenan induced acute paw edema and histamine induced acute paw edema in rats.ResultsThe dose 200 mg/kg of P. foetida leaf extract exhibited highest significant analgesic activity [(13.50±0.43) min] at a reaction time of 20 min in hot plate method in mice. The ethanol extract of leaf dose 100 mg/kg produced a highly significant anti inflammatory effect [(1.302±0.079) mL] in rats.ConclusionsIt is very clear that P. foetida also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities for the pharmaceuticals.     

Analgesic effects of crude extracts and fractions of Omani frankincense obtained from traditional medicinal plant Boswellia sacra on animal models

ObjectiveTo investigate the analgesic effect of Boswellia sacra (B. sacra), which could support the Omani traditional uses of frankincense for muscle, stomach, and arthritis pain.MethodsThe crude extract, the essential oils and various sub-fractions of the crude methanol extract (each 300 mg/kg of the body weight of the animal) obtained from the resin of B. sacra were administered orally, and were evaluated for their analgesic activities by using two well known models of pain in mice, viz. acetic acid induced writhing test and formalin induced pain test in mice.ResultsOf 13 samples, almost all of them were effective at an orally administered dose of 300 mg/kg of the body weight. The acetic acid induced writhes were inhibited in all the three phases with comparable values to the standard drug aspirin (300 mg/kg of body weight) with inhibition of 67.6% in phase I, 66.8% in phase II, and 37.9% in phase III. At the same time, all the tested samples were found effective in both the early and the late phases of formalin test. In formalin test, most of the tested samples showed more inhibitory effects as compared to the standard drug aspirin (300 mg/kg of body weight), which showed 36.2% and 29.6% inhibition in early and late phases respectively. Among the tested samples, the most significant inhibition was produced by Shabi frankincense oil (57.5% in early phase, and 55.6% in late phase). Interestingly, the extracts showed comparable percentage of inhibition to the oil and found in the following order: 60% chloroform/n-hexane sub-fraction (55.3% in early phase, and 66.7% in late phase), and 70% chloroform/n-hexane sub-fraction (59.6% in early phase, and 63.0% in late phase).ConclusionsThe present study provided the scientific justification about the analgesic properties of the essential oils, extract, and various sub-fractions obtained from the resin of B. sacra, thus validating its use in traditional folk medicines and other products; and hence supporting the development in the analgesic properties of bioactive natural substances.     

Analgesic and anti—inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Helianthus Annus in Wistar rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the ethanol extract of leaves of Helianthus annus L. (H. annus) in acclimatized Wistar rats.MethodsIt was undertaken using the albumin induced paw edema model of inflammation as well as both the hotplate and tail immersion analgesic test methods. Doses of the extract tested in experimental rats were 0.5 g/kg, 2 g/kg and 4 g/kg while negative and positive control rats received distilled water and indomethacin respectively.ResultsIt was shown that treatment with the tested doses of the extract effectively inhibited paw edema induced by egg albumin. This effect was comparable if not better than the observations made in rats treated with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin orally. Treatment with the extract was also observed to have significantly increased the mean tolerance time of rats to thermal noxious stimuli compared to control animals that had distilled water and appeared to be more effective than 10 mg/kg of indomethacin treatment.ConclusionsThese observations confirmed the presence of a strong anti-inflammatory and anti-noiciceptive activity in the ethanol extract of the leaves of H. annus and therefore validated the folkloric use of the leaves of this plant in treatment of pro-inflammatory, post traumatic situations.     

Phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of prop roots of Pandanus fascicularis Lam

ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the ethanol and aqueous extracts of prop roots of Pandanus fascicularis (P. fascicularis) Lam (pandanaceae). And provide experimental evidence for its traditional use such as rheumatoid arthritis and spasmodic.MethodsThe anti-inflammatory activity was observed by carrageenan-induced edema of the hind paw of rats. Analgesic activities of prop roots of P. fascicularis were determined using acetic acid induced writhing model and tail clip method in mice and rat, respectively. The ethanol fraction was then subjected to chromatographic analysis and a compound has been isolated and characterized by IR, ¹H-NMR and mass spectroscopy.ResultsEdema suppressant effect of ethanol extract was found to be 37.03% inhibition whereas aqueous extract was found to be 63.22% inhibition after 3 h which was nearly equivalent to that of 10 mg/kg of indomethacin (67.81%). Percentage inhibition of writhing compared to control were 63.15%, 54.38%, 14.90% for aspirin, aqueous extract and ethanolic extract, respectively. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts show significant activity against appropriate controls after 60 min of treatment on tail clip method. The structure of the isolated compound is may be characterized as Hepta deca-5-ene-1-ol by analysis it's IR, ¹H-NMR and mass spectroscopy data.ConclusionsThe extracts of prop roots of P. fascicularis produce significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the traditional application of this herb in treating various diseases associated with inflammation and pain.     

Investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of leaves of Dalbergia paniculata (Roxb)

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of orally administered methanolic leaf extract of Dalbergia paniculata (D. paniculata) in Carrageenan induced inflammation in rats.MethodsIn vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated for superoxide radical, Hydroxyl radical and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Three doses 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of D. paniculata were tested for anti-inflammatory activity in Carrageenan induced rat paw edema model and paw thickness was measured every one hour up to 6 h.ResultsThe methanolic leaf extract of D. paniculata produced dose dependent inhibition of Superoxide radical, Hydroxyl radical and DPPH radicals. In Carrageenan induced inflammation model, all three doses produced significant percentage inhibition of rat paw edema and 800 mg/kg dose produced maximum percent inhibition of rat paw edema (47.83%) at 3h compared to control group.ConclusionsIn the present study we found that methanolic leaf extract of D. paniculata showed good in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rats.     

Analgesic activity of Cryptostegia grandiflora (Roxb.) R.br. leaves methanol extract using mice

ObjectiveTo evaluate analgesic property of leaf methanol extract of Cryptostegia grandiflora (Roxb.) R.Br. using mice.MethodsAnalgesic activity was evaluated by abdominal writhing and tail flick methods using Swiss albino mice. Acetyl salicylic acid was used as standard drug.ResultThe leaf methanol extract did not show any signs of toxicity upto 5000 mg/kg b.w. The leaf methanol extract (LME) was tested at three different dosages viz., 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg b.w. orally. All the three doses of LME showed significant (P < 0.001) analgesic activity, among them dose at 750 mg/kg b.w. showed 62.93% inhibition, but less effective than standard acetyl salicylic acid (93.70%) as revealed by writhing test. In Tail-flick model, the LME at the dose of 500 mg/kg b.w. showed significant activity (P < 0.001) when compared to the other two doses as evidence by the increase in the latency of tail response to thermal stimulation.ConclusionsThis investigation revealed that the C. grandiflora LME demonstrated significant analgesic effect in both abdominal writhing and tail flick models. Among the three different doses tested, the 500 mg/kg b.w. was found to be more potent. The results of this investigation revealed that the LME of C. grandiflora possesses significant analgesic property and supported the traditional medicinal claims on C. grandiflora.     

Antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of nilavembu kudineer choornam: a classical preparation used in the treatment of chikungunya fever

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of ethanolic extract of nilavembu kudineer choornam (EENKC) in inflammation, pain and fever using animal models to support its actions.MethodsAcute toxicity study of EENKC was performed in mice to fix the effective dose. The antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of EENKC was evaluated in brewer's yeast induced pyrexia in rats, carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats and acetic-acid induced writhing in mice model.ResultsAcute toxicity revealed that EENKC didn't show death and toxic signs up to 2 000 mg/kg. In brewer's yeast induced pyrexia and carrageenan-induced inflammation EENKC at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg inhibited fever and inflammation significantly (P<0.01 and <0.05) compared to control animals. In mice, the number of writhing induced by acetic-acid was significantly (P<0.01) reduced after treatment with both the dose of EENKC than control animals. EENKC 200 mg/kg inhibits inflammation higher level in carrageenan-induced paw edema, but there is no significant difference when compared to indomethacin 10 mg/kg.ConclusionsThe present findings revealed that EENKC possesses antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity which supports nilavembu kudineer choornam efficacy in chikungunya fever.     

In ova angiogenesis analgesic and anti inflammatory potency of Aerva Monsoniae (Amaranthaceae)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the wound healing potency of aqueous extract of Aerva monsoniae (A. monsoniae) by in vitro method using fertilized eggs, in vivo analgesic and anti inflammatory activity in rodents and the anti bacterial activity on the bacterial strains that infect the wound.MethodsThe whole plant of A. monsoniae was extracted with water and then subjected to preliminary chemical screening. It was then evaluated for in ova angiogenesis on fertilized white leg horn eggs using the concentrations of 200-600 μ g/mL. The analgesic activity was evaluated in mice using the dose 100 and 250 mg/kg. The anti inflammatory activity was evaluated in rats using the dose 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. In both the parameters water was used as the control and diclofenac was used the standard. The anti bacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aerugenosa was performed.ResultsThe phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids and saponins. The in ova angiogenesis revealed a dose dependent activity which proves the wound healing claim of the plant as more number of blood capillaries were formed at the site of the drug. The plant proved to be a potent analgesic and anti inflammatory agent at doses 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg. The anti bacterial activity was present but at higher doses.ConclusionsThe parameters studied in the present investigation proved that the plant is a potent wound healer. Further in vivo wound healing studies on animal model is desired. As the extract showed potent analgesic, anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties, it can be considered that when formulated into suitable formulation, and it can reduce the pain, inflammation and infections related to wound very well.     

Pain management in mice using methanol extracts of three plants belongs to family Amaranthaceae

ObjectiveTo investigate the analgesic activity of methanolic extract of Amaranthus viridis (A. viridis), Amaranthus caudatus (A. caudatus) and Amaranthus spinosus (A. spinosus).MethodsIn this study, the analgesic activity of methanol extracts of all three plants at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg were investigated by acetic acid-induced writhings test, hot plate test and tail immersion test for mice.ResultsIt was found that all the three plants showed significant pain management effect (P<0.01) at a dose of 400 mg/kg, but showed a less significant effect at a dose of 20 mg/kg in the entire tests used for evaluation of analgesic activities (P<0.05).ConclusionsMethanol extracts of A. viridis, A. caudatus and A. spinosus show potent analgesic activities, and this study provides the scientific proof for their traditional claims.     

Larvicidal activity of Persea americana Mill. against Aedes aegypti

ObjectiveTo evaluate the toxicity of the ethanol and hexane extracts of the different parts of Persea americana Mill. (P. americana) toward third and fourth instars larvae of Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) and to characterize the ethanol extract by qualitative phytochemical analysis.MethodsThe seeds, peels and pulp of P. americana were processed for crude extraction using 95% ethanol and n-hexane. Crude extracts were bio-assayed for larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti following the World Health Organization standard bioassay method. The mortality was observed at 24 h and 48 h after treatment and data were subjected to probit analysis to determine lethal concentrations (LC₅₀ and LC₉₀). The ethanol extract was characterized by phytochemical analysis.ResultsBoth the hexane and ethanol extracts from the different parts of P. americana exhibited evidence of larvicidal toxicity. The hexane extract from the seeds exhibited the highest toxicity with LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of 9.82 mg/L and 22.19 mg/L, respectively, while the ethanol seed extract exhibited LC₅₀ of 16.48 mg/L and LC₉₀ 45.77 mg/L, respectively. This was closely followed by the ethanol extract of the peels with an LC₅₀ of 10.35 mg/L and LC₉₀ of 26.29 mg/L. The pulp extracted with ethanol also yielded great larvicidal toxicity with LC₅₀ of 21.32 mg/L and LC₉₀ of 59.45 mg/L. Results of the phytochemical analysis of the ethanol seed extract indicated presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, unsaturated steroids and triterpenoids, flavonoids (leucoanthocyanins), fats and oils.ConclusionsBoth the hexane and ethanol extracts of P. americana showed promising potential as an alternative source of a more sustainable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly solution for the control of dengue vector, Ae. aegypti.     

The antiplasmodial effect of the extracts and formulated capsules of Phyllanthus amarus on Plasmodium yoelii infection in mice

ObjectiveTo investigate the antiplasmodial activity of the extracts of Phyllanthus amarus (P. amarus) on Plasmodium yoelii (P. yoelii) (a resistant malaria parasite strain used in animal studies) infection in mice.MethodsThe aqueous and ethanol extracts of the whole plant of Phyllanthus amarus was administered to Swiss albino mice at doses of 200 mg/kg/day, 400 mg/kg/day, 800 mg/kg/day and 1600 mg/kg/day and the prophylactic and chemotherapeutic effect of the extracts against P. yoelii infection in mice was investigated and compared with those of standard antimalaria drugs used in the treatment of malaria parasite infection. Acute toxicity test was carried out in mice to determine the safety of the plant extract when administered orally.ResultsThe results showed that the extracts demonstrated a dose—dependent prophylactic and chemotherapeutic activity with the aqueous extracts showing slightly higher effect than the ethanol extract. The antiplasmodial effects of the extracts were comparable to the standard prophylactic and chemotherapeutic drugs used in chloroquine resistant Plasmodium infection although the activity depended on the dose of the extract administered. The extracts showed prophylactic effect by significantly delaying the onset of infection with the suppression of 79% at a dose of 1600 mg/kg/day.ConclusionsThe results obtained indicate that the extracts of the whole plant of P. amarus possess repository and chemotherapeutic effects against resistant strains of P. yoelii in Swiss albino mice. The findings justify the use of the extract of P. amarus in traditional medicine practice, for the treatment of malaria infections.     

Pharmacological properties and related constituents of stem bark of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. (Fabaceae)

ObjectiveTo screen methanol and dichloromethane extracts of stem bark of Pterocarpus erinaceus for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, in vitro antioxidant activities and phytochemical analysis.MethodsAnti-inflammatory activity was determined by using carrageenan induced-edema of mice paw and croton oil-induced edema of mice ear; analgesic effect was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing. Phytochemical screening of extracts was performed by thin layer chromatography. The chromatographic fractionation led to the isolation of main active components as friedelin, lupeol and epicathechin. The structures were established by TLC and nuclear magnetic resonance studies.ResultsBoth methanol and dichloromethane extracts, friedelin, lupeol and epicatechin showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect using croton oil induced-ear edema. Furthermore, the action of dichloromethane extract was more important. At the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, the methanol extract was able to reduce the carrageenan induced-hind paw edema, while at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, it showed an important analgesic effect against writhing induced by acetic acid injection of 38.8%, 68.0% and 74.3%, respectively. Antioxidative properties of methanol extract and its dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were assessed by using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method. The methanol extract showed the stronger radical scavenging activity than dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions, with an antiradical power of 5, 3.5 and 2 respectively. The main components isolated from these extracts as friedelin, lupeol and epicathechin were responsible of these activities.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the stem bark extracts of Pterocarpus erinaceus possessed important anti-inflammatory, analgesic activities and strong antioxidant properties, therefore, they could be used as natural potential ingredients for pharma ceutical industry.     

Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate shows therapeutic antioxidative effects in a murine model of colitis

Background and aimsLeukocyte infiltration, up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and severe oxidative stress caused by increased amounts of reactive oxygen species are characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease. The catechin (2R,3R)-2-(3,4,5-Trihydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-benzopyran-3,5,7-triol-3-(3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate), named epigallocatechin-3-gallate, EGCG, has been demonstrated to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, reducing reactive oxygen species in the inflamed tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of EGCG in a murine model of colitis induced by oral administration of dextran sodium sulfate.MethodsMice received a daily oral administration of 6.9 mg/kg body weight EGCG or Piper nigrum (L.) alkaloid (2E,4E)-5-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-1-piperidin-1-ylpenta-2,4-dien-1-one, named piperine (2.9 mg/kg body weight) or the combination of the both — piperine was used in this combination to enhance the bioavailability of EGCG.ResultsIn vivo data revealed the combination of EGCG and piperine to significantly reduce the loss of body weight, improve the clinical course and increase overall survival in comparison to untreated groups. The attenuated colitis was associated with less histological damages to the colon and reduction of tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde, the final product of lipid peroxidation. Neutrophils accumulation indicator myeloperoxidase was found to be reduced in colon tissue, while antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase showed an increased activity. In vitro, the treatment with EGCG plus piperine enhanced the expression of SOD as well as GPO and also reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines.ConclusionThese data support the concept of anti-inflammatory properties of EGCG being generally beneficial in the DSS-model of colitis, an effect that may be mediated by its strong antioxidative potential.     

Central nervous system activity of Illicium verum fruit extracts

ObjectiveTo research the acute toxicity of Illicium verum (I. verum) fruit extracts and its action on central nervous system.MethodsThe TLC and HPTLC techniques were used as fingerprints to determine the chemical components present in I. verum. Male albino rats and mice were utilized for study. The powdered material was successively extracted with n–hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol using a Soxhlet extractor. Acute toxicity studies were performed as per OECD guidelines. The CNS activity was evaluated on parameters of general behavior, sleeping pattern, locomotor activity, anxiety and myocoordination activity. The animals were trained for seven days prior to experiments and the divided into five groups with six animals in each. The drug was administered by intraperitoneal route according to body weight. The dosing was done as prescribed in each protocol.ResultsToxicity studies reported 2 000 mg/kg as toxicological dose and 1/10 of the same dose was taken as therapeutic dose Intraperitoneal injection of all extracts at dose of 200 mg prolonged phenobarbitone induced sleeping time, produced alteration in general behavior pattern, reduced locomotor activity and produced anxiolytic effects but the extracts do not significantly alter muscles coordination activity. The three extracts of I. verum at the dose of 200 mg, methanol extract was found to produce more prominent effects, then hexane and ethylacetate extracts.ConclusionsThe observation suggested that the extracts of I. verum possess potent CNS depressant action and anxiolytic effect without interfering with motor coordination.     

Evaluation of the antimalarial potential of Icacina senegalensis Juss (Icacinaceae)

ObjectiveTo evaluate in vivo antimalarial activity of methanol leaf extract of Icacina senegalensis.MethodsThe extract was investigated for activity against early and established malaria infections using Swiss albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei at dose levels of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg. Chloroquine (10 mg/kg) was used as positive control.ResultsA dose dependent chemo-suppression of the parasites was observed at different dose levels of the extract tested with a considerable mean survival time.ConclusionsThe results support further investigation on components of traditional medicines as potential new antimalarial agents.     

In vitro anthelmintic efficacy of Borassus flabellifer Linn. (Palmae) against Pheretima posthuma

ObjectiveTo investigate the anthelmintic activity of Borassus flabellifer (B. flabellifer) Linn. leaves against Indian adult earth worms (Pheretima posthuma).MethodsThe B. flabellifer leaves and Indian adult earth worms (Pheretima posthuma) were collected and authenticated. Earth worms were grouped and treated with extract at 10, 20 and 50 mg/mL concentration, albendazole (10 mg/mL) as a standard and normal saline. The paralysis time and mortality time was considered as indicator of anthelmintic efficacy.ResultsAll the extracts showed concentration dependent activity but significant activity was observed at 50 mg/mL. At concentration 50 mg/mL extract pertained better activity with paralysis time (13.3 min) and death times (17.92 min) when compared to standard albendazole.ConclusionsThe study findings reveal that the methanolic extract of B. flabellifer leaves has effective anthelmintic activity against Indian adult earth worms.     

Evaluation of the analgesic activity of ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts of Pleurotus eous mushroom

ObjectiveTo evaluate the analgesic activity of the ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts of Pleurotus eous (P. eous) mushroom.MethodsThe dried fruiting bodies were extracted with ethyl acetate, methanol and water. The analgesic effect of extracts of P. eous were investigated at doses 250 500 and 1 000 mg/kg body weight, using acetic-acid induced writhing, hot-plate, tail immersion and tail-clip tests.ResultsP. eous extracts produced significant reduction in number of writhes induced by intraperitoneal injection of acetic-acid (P<0.05). Moreover, in hot-plate and tail immersion test, all the three extracts significantly raised the pain threshold at different time of observation (0-60 min) in comparison with control (P<0.05). In tail-clip test the extracts also caused a significant inhibition of pain at both the doses used (P<0.05).ConclusionsThe results of present study suggest that extracts of P. eous possess potent analgesic property and could serve as a base for future drugs.     

Antimalarial and analgesic activities of ethanolic leaf extract of Panicum maximum

ObjectiveTo evaluate antiplasmodial and analgesic activities of ethanolic leaf extract/fractions of Panicum maximum.MethodsThe crude leaf extract (47–190 mg/kg) and fractions (chloroform, ethyl acqeous and methanol; 96 mg/kg) of Panicum maximum were investigated for antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infections in mice and for analgesic activity against chemical and heat-induced pains. The antiplasmodial activity during early and established infections as well as prophylactic were investigated. Artesunate at 5 mg/kg and pyrimethamine at 1.2 mg/kg were used as positive controls. Analgesic activity of the crude extract/fractions was also evaluated against acetic acid, formalin and heat-induced pains.ResultsThe extract and its fractions dose-dependently reduced parasitaemia induced by chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infection in prophylactic, suppressive and curative models in mice. These reductions were statistically significant (P<0.001). They also improved the mean survival time from 13 to 28 days compared with control (P<0.001). The activities of extract/fractions were incomparable to that of the standard drugs (Artesunate and pyrimethamine). On chemically and thermally-induced pains, the extract inhibited acetic acid and formalin-induced inflammation as well as hot plate-induced pain in mice. These inhibitions were statistically significant (P<0.001) and in a dose-dependent fashion.ConclusionsPanicum maximum leaf extract has antiplasmodial and analgesic activities which may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant.     

Evaluation of in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex Benth

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ajuga bracteosa Wall Ex Benth. (Labiateae) is described in Ayurveda for the treatment of rheumatism, gout, palsy and amenorrhea.ObjectivePresent study was aimed to investigate the in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Neelkanthi (whole plant) and to support its traditional use.MethodsMethanolic extract of plant Ajuga bracteosa (ABE) was investigated for its anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced rat paw oedema, egg albumin induced inflammation in rats and the study was further supported with in vitro anti-inflammatory study by using Human red blood cell membrane stabilization (HRBC) method. Three doses of the extract (ABE-250, 500 and 750 mg/kg, i.p.) were used in the study and diclofenac sodium (5mg/kg, i.p.) was used as standard.ResultsABE (500 and 750 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced increased in paw volume induced by carrageenan and egg albumin. ABE also showed significant stabilization toward HRBC membrane.ConclusionsABE at the dose of 500 and 750 mg/kg showed potent action on comparison with the standard drug diclofenac sodium.     

Evaluation of the antiulcer activity of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. roots in rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antiulcer activity of the methanolic root extract of the plant Olax subscorpioidea in experimental rats.MethodsPhytochemical tests and acute toxicity tests were carried out on its methanolic root extract. Pre-treatments with three doses of the extract (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight orally) and Sucralfate at 100 mg/kg orally were used for the various groups of rats. The indomethacin and ethanol models for experimental induction of ulcers in rats were used. Mean ulcer indices were measured and percentage inhibition was derived.ResultsPhytochemistry revealed presence of alkaloids, steroids, glycosides and terpenoids and the extract showed an LD₅₀ of 2 154 mg/kg in mice. Ulcer was produced in all the rats in both models with the extract showing potent antiulcer activity of ethanol model. There was no significant ulcer inhibition by any of the treatments compared to control group in the indomethacin model but the extract's antiulcer effect was dose-dependent (11.8%, 19.2%, 32.7%, P >0.05). The ulcer reduction in the ethanol model was significant ulcer reduction in the highest dose group and Sucralfate group compared to control group (79.3% and 82.9%, P < 0.05). However, the extract at all dosage showed a dose-dependent ulcer inhibition in this model.ConclusionThe above results suggest that the roots of Olax subscorpioidea possess antiulcer activity in experimental rats as claimed by traditional users.