Chronic anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous extract of Capraria biflora L

Abstract

Capraria biflora L. is a plant with a long history in the traditional medicine, commonly used in chronic pathologies associated to inflammatory processes (1,2). Extracts of this plant were active in models of acute inflammation in studies developed previously (3) but information of its action in models of chronic inflammation does not exist. The present study was designed to investigate anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Capraria biflora using cotton pellet-induced granuloma method (4). Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180–220g were used. Six groups of six animals each one were used. Group I served as control (water distilled) and group II as standard (Indomethacin 5mg/kg/). Group III, IV and V received extract at the doses of 200, 400 and 800mg/kg respectively. The results were analyzed for to SPSS, version 11.5 for Windows, using the tests of Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Witney for independent samples. Oral administration of the aqueous extract decreased significantly (p<0.01) the weight of the granuloma formation, indicating its effectiveness in the proliferative phase of inflammation. The results suggest that this extract can be used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory illnesses and they justify the uses of this plant in the traditional medicine