AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION ON THE ANTI INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF LEAVES OF KARANJA (PONGAMIA PINNATA LINN. PIERRE)

Abstract

Karanja ( Pongamia pinnata Linn . Pierre) of Papilionaceae family grows throughout India. It is easily available, cost effective and have been described in various Samhitas and Nighantus. Indication of Karanja patra in Shotha is seen in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu and Kaiyadeva Nighantu, thus indicating its Anti inflammatory activity. Many of the drugs we are using as Shothahara is the roots, hence to avoid the de struction of the whole plant the present study of evaluating the Anti inflammatory activity of Karanja patra which is easily available throughout the country has been taken up. In vivo anti inflammatory activity of the drug was evaluated in Wistar albino r ats using Carrageenan induced paw edema for acute inflammation and Cotton pellet implanted granuloma formation for Chronic inflammation. The experimental study reveals that the drug Karanja ( Pongamia pinnata Linn. Pierre.) at 4.32 ml rat dose possess ant i inflammatory activity especially in acute inflammation. Conclusion: Karanja ( Pongamia pinnata Linn Pierre) leaves in 4.32 ml /kg rat dose is said to have Shothahara (Anti inflammatory) activity especially in acute inflammation is justified.