In-vivo Anti-inflammatory testing of extracts and its fractions obtained from Saptaparn leaves (Alstonia scholaris Linn. R. Br)

Abstract

Since antiquity, Alstonia scholaris commonly known as devil's tree or blackboard tree has been used for the treatment of many human ailments. The plant is used in Ayurvedic, Unani and Sidhha/Tamil types of alternative medicinal systems. Literature suggests that Alstonia scholaris is useful in treating malaria, abdominal disorders, dyspepsia, leprosy, skin diseases, tumors, chronic and foul ulcers, asthma, bronchitis etc. In order to validate these ethno-botanical practices the anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extracts and various bioactive guided fractions of leaf of Saptparn (Alstonia scholaris, Apocyanaceae) tested. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts and its various fractions were evaluated using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema method for the determination of acute phase of inflammation. Indomethacin used as reference drug. The result of pharmacological studies (anti-inflammatory) indicated the methanolic extract (200 mg/kg) significantly inhibited carrageenan induced rat paw edema in comparison to the inhibition of edema by standard drug Indomethacin (10mg/kg). Maximum inhibition of rat paw edema was observed with methanolic extract of plant (400 mg/kg) at the end of 4th hour when compared to control group. The chloroform fraction (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) possess statistically significant anti-inflammatory activity. Maximum inhibition of rat paw edema was observed with chloroform fraction at 100 mg/kg at the end of 5th hour when compared to control group.