Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Mangifera indica leaves in albino rats

Abstract

Background: Mangifera indica (MI) commonly known as mango belongs to the family anacardiaceae , distributed in rural and semi urban parts of India. According to Ayurveda, various medical properties are attributed to different parts of the mango tree. The purpose of the study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Mangifera indica leaves. Methods: Aqueous extract of Mangifera indica leaves was prepared and tested for anti-inflammatory activity in albino rats weighing 200-250 gm. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by using Acute (carrageenan induced paw edema) and chronic (Formalin induced paw edema) animal models. Rats were divided into 4 groups, 6 rats in each group. Group I (control) received 0.1 ml 4% gum acacia suspension. Group II and Group III received Mangifera indica extract at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight. Group IV (standard) received diclofenac 10 mg/kg body weight. All the drugs were administered orally. Anti-inflammatory activity was expressed as percentage inhibition of paw edema. Results: The percentage inhibition in carrageenan induced paw edema with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg Mangifera indica extract was 44.8% and 53% and in formalin induced paw edema was 47.5% and 64.4% respectively. The two doses of Mangifera indica extract showed significant anti-inflammatory action (p<0.001) in both models. Conclusions: Aqueous extract of Mangifera indica leaves showed significant dose dependent anti-inflammatory activity.