Evaluation of anti‑inflammatory activity of Strobilanthus callosus Nees and Strobilanthus ixiocephala Benth

Abstract

Context: Strobilanthus callosus Nees and Strobilanthus ixiocephala Benth belongs to family Acanthaceae. The plants have been the subject of scientific research which confirms its use in folk medicine as anti‑inflammatory drugs showing potent anti‑rheumatic effects. Previous research claims the anti‑inflammatory and anti‑arthritic activities of Lupeol and 19α‑H Lupeol isolated from Strobilanthus callosus and Strobilanthus ixiocephala roots. Based on the literature cited, the unexplored parts stems and leaves of the two species were selected for the present study. Aim: The present study is designed to isolate steroidal and alkaloidal components from the two species Strobilanthus callosus and Strobilanthus ixiocephala using the unexplored parts viz. stems and leaves and to investigate its anti‑inflammatory effect. Settings and Design: The anti‑inflammatory effect was investigated employing subacute anti‑inflammatory models namely cotton pellet granuloma and carrageenan‑induced rat paw edema. Materials and Methods: Anti‑inflammatory activity was carried out using isolated test components RVS‑A (Lupeol), RVS‑C (Doctriacantone) and standard drug Diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg). Results: The present study has dealt up with isolation of two phytoconstituents Lupeol and Dotriacontane which gave marked anti‑inflammatory activity at the dose 20 mg/kg in both the models Carrageenan induced rat paw edema and Cotton pellet granuloma. Conclusion: The results confirm that the mechanism of the anti‑inflammatory effect of RVS‑A (Lupeol) and RVS‑C (Doctriacantone) involves reduction of prostaglandins through inhibition of cyclooxygenase and suppression of proliferative phase of sub acute inflammation. Thus the steroidal and alkaloidal components Lupeol and Doctriacantone isolated from Strobilanthus callosus Nees and Strobilanthus ixiocephala Benth shows marked anti‑inflammatory activity. Key words: Acanthaceae, anti‑inflammatory, Strobilanthus callosus Nees, Strobilanthus ixiocephala Benth