IN VITRO ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF VACCINIUM LESCHENAULTII WIGHT. (VACCINIACEAE) - AN ENDEMIC MEDICINAL PLANT SPECIES IN NILGIRIS, THE WESTERN GHATS, INDIA

Arumugasamy K,Nantha Kumar R,Kirthika N,Sudhakaran D,Abdul Kaffoor H

doi:10.26524/krj142

Abstract

Berries of Vaccinium species have been a source of food and pharmaceutical ingredients. The ethanol, methanol and chloroform extracts of Vaccinium leschenaultia was investigated for anti-inflammatory activity. All the extracts (150 and 300mg/kg each) were found to significantly (P<0.05) inhibit paw edema induced by carrageenan in rats. The results indicated that the methanol extract with the dose of 300mgkg-1 b.w. and the chloroform extract with the dose of 300mgkg-1 b.wt. showed maximum anti-inflammatory activity as compared to the reference drug, Indomethacin. V. leschenaultia could be used as a potential source of antiinflammatory agent.

Highlights

Traditional literature shows the use of herbal preparatins in the treatment of inflammation and pain
The ethanol, methanol and chloroform extracts of Vaccinium leschenaultia was investigated for anti-inflammatory activity
The results indicated that the methanol extract with the dose of 300mgkg-1 b.w. and the chloroform extract with the dose of 300mgkg-1 b.wt. showed maximum anti-inflammatory activity as compared to the reference drug, Indomethacin

Summary

Introduction

Traditional literature shows the use of herbal preparatins in the treatment of inflammation and pain. The search for new anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs from the medicinal plant resources is intensifying since these shows no side effects (Chatterjee and Pal, 1984). An uncontrolled and persistent inflammation may act as an etiologic factor for many of these chronic illnesses (Kumar et al, 2004). It is a defense mechanism, the complex events and mediators that are involved in the inflammatory reaction can induce, maintain or aggravate many diseases (Sosa et al, 2002). The development of potent anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer or no side effects from medicinal plants origin is the need of the hour

Methods

Results

Conclusion