Chloroform Fraction Of Methanol Extract Research Articles

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity and identification of a monoterpenoidhydroxylactone (-)-loliolide from Tribulus terrestris L.: In-vivo and In-silico Approaches

The present study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of Tribulusterrestris L (aerial parts) and to identify the anti-inflammatory agents from active extracts and fractions together with in silico prediction of their mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity profile. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated for Dichloromethane, methanol, and its fractions (chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol by Carrageenan induced rat paw edema. The phytoconstituents of the anti-inflammatory active fraction (chloroform fraction of methanol extract) was identified using Thermo Scientific TM DFS high-resolution GC-MS. The GC-MS analysis revealed 13 compounds from which (-)-loliolide was the most abundant compound by peak area. It was docked, using Autodock 4.0 onto three Key enzymes involved in the inflammatory cascade (Cyclooxygenase (COX-1 &2) and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX)). It displayed binding energies; -6.98 kcal/mole (COX-1) compared to -6.83kcal/mole for standard, -6.64 kcal/mole (COX-2) compared to -6.88 kcal/mole for standard and -5.25 kcal/mole (5-LOX) compared to -6.89 kcal/mole for standard. Toxicity risks, drug likeliness, and pharmacokinetic properties were studied by different online open-source programs. Good binding energy, drug-likeness, and efficient pharmacokinetic parameters of (-)-loliolide suggest it as a good inhibitor, however, further research is needed.

Antidepressant Activity of Different Fractions of Cassine albens in an Olfactory Bulbectomized Mouse Model

Abstract: Background: Tribal peoples in north Maharashtra used Cassine albens for a range of illnesses, including some psychosomatic conditions. For treatment, these indigenous people employed a very raw form of this plant. The goal of this study is to test the traditional claims of antidepressant effect in an olfactory bulbectomized mice using a chloroform and ethyl acetate fraction of Methanolic extract of C. albens. Materials and Methods: For 28 days, olfactory bulbectomized mice were administered Ethyl acetate and Chloroform fractions of Methanolic extract of leaf of Cassine albens (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg). The forced swim test, open field test, and splash test were used to assess antidepressant efficacy. Throughout the study, imipramine (10 mg/kg) was used as a reference standard. Results: After a 28-day treatment, chloroform and ethyl acetate diminish hyperexcitation in an open field apparatus by reducing the number of lines crossing. When compared to the control group, the Chloroform fraction 400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg demonstrated a significant (p< 0.0001 and p< 0.05) decrease in hyperactivity. In the FST, Chloroform fractions 200 mg/kg (p< 0.01) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.01) significantly reduced immobility time when compared to the control group, and in the Splash test, Chloroform fraction 400 mg/kg significantly increased grooming time (p<0.001) when compared to the control group. Conclusion: Cassine albens chloroform fractions (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) have considerable antidepressant effect. Keywords: Olfactory bulbectomy, Splash test, Immobility period, Open Field, Forced swim test, number of line crossing

Neuropharmacological evaluation and HPTLC fingerprint profile of phytocompound-enriched chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley fruits - a potent Asian ethno-medicinal vegetable plant.

Lagenariasiceraria (Molina) Standley (Cucurbitaceae) is a traditional vegetable plant, popularly known as bottle gourd (English) and lauki (Hindi). It is a climbing herb characterized with a number of therapeutic properties. Traditionally Lagenariasiceraria (LS) fruits were used for their cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, diuretic, and purgative effects, but there is very little scientific data available on its neuroprotective potential.

Chloroform Fraction of Methanolic Extract of Seeds of Annona muricata Induce S Phase Arrest and ROS Dependent Caspase Activated Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Triple Negative Breast Cancers (TNBCs) have high morbidity and shorter survival rate in the population. These types of cancers have high aggressiveness, lymphatic invasion, and absence of receptors. The treatment options for these types of cancers are also scarce. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of seeds of Annona muricata for its anti-cancer activities in various cancer cell lines, such as lung A549, breast MCF7, colon HT-29, oral KB, and human hepatoma cell lines. But works related to its anti-cancer effect and mechanism of action in TNBCs have not been elucidated. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro, in vivo, and in silico anti-cancer potential of chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of seeds of Annona muricata (CMAM) against TNBC along with elucidation of its mechanistic pathway. In vitro cytotoxicity- and antiproliferative- studies in three triple-negative breast cancer cell lines were conducted using the MTT and SRB assays, respectively. The mechanism through which CMAM exerts its pharmacological effect was elucidated in vitro employing cell morphological assessment studies using Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide (AO/EB), intracellular reactive oxygen species assay, DNA fragmentation assay, agarose gel electrophoresis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay, cell cycle analysis, annexin binding assay, and caspase-activated mitochondria-mediated apoptotic assays using western blot. In vivo evaluation in 4T1 induced murine mammary tumor model was also conducted. Phytoconstituents in CMAM were analyzed using liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy. In silico binding studies with various annonaceous acetogenins against BCL-2 and cyclin E were performed. Cytotoxicity studies in MDA-MD-231, 4TI, and BT-549 revealed the IC50 value of CMAM to be 2.5±0.14, 4.8±0.3, and 4.5±0.16μg/mL, respectively. Anti-proliferative studies in 4T1, MDA-MB-231, and BT- 549 revealed the GI50 values to be 0.128+0.03, 18.03+0.20, 0.95+0.04μg/mL, respectively. CMAM exhibited its cytotoxicity through the lysis of cell membrane, ROS dependent caspase-activated mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, and arresting the S phase of the cell cycle. In vivo evaluation also supported the tumoricidal property of CMAM, as evidenced by a reduction in tumor volume and serum biomarkers. Histopathologically, there was a marked reduction in cellularity, nuclear chromatin condensation, and a few normal cells in the group treated with CMAM at a dose of 31mg/Kg. Phytoconstituent evaluation has revealed the presence of annonaceous acetogenins in CMAM. Among the various annonaceous acetogenins, muricatacin alone showed lipophilicity and binding affinity towards BCL-2 and cyclin E1. The current study shows the effectiveness of CMAM against TNBC both in vitro and in vivo. This anticancerous effect of CMAM could be by virtue of its ROS dependent caspase-activated mitochondriamediated apoptosis and the S-phase arrest of the cell cycle in the TNBCs. Our results indicate that the presence of annonaceous acetogenins, especially muricatacin, could be contributing to this anticancerous effect of CMAM. Thus, muricatacin could be a potential candidate for the targeted therapy of TNBCs.

Acute oral toxicity studies of methanolic extract and chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of seeds of muricata

Background: Natural products are considered to be safe and efficacious. Adequate proof of the safety of these herbal drugs is lacking. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the acute oral toxicity of methanolic extract of seeds of Annona muricata (MAM) and chloroform fraction of MAM and to derive the lethal dose 50 (LD50) of chloroform fraction of methanol extract of seeds of A. muricata (CMAM). Materials and Methods: Acute toxicity studies of MAM and CMAM were conducted as per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines 420. LD50 of CMAM in rats and mice was estimated as per OECD guidelines 425. The toxic response was evaluated in vitro using hemolytic assay in rat and human erythrocytes. Results: The acute toxicity study done using OECD 420 guideline revealed that MAM and CMAM were safe at 300 mg/kg and produced mortality at 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. On gross examination, congestion of cranial, mesenteric, and uterine blood vessels was observed. As per OECD guidelines 425, CMAM was safe up to 980 mg/kg in rats and up to 175 mg/kg in mice and LD50 value was estimated to be 1310 mg/kg in rats and 310 mg/kg in mice. In vitro hemolytic assay showed that the plant fraction produced hemolysis. Conclusion: The present study concluded the toxicity produced by A. muricata seeds in the vascular system might be due to oxidative injury caused by the phytochemical constituents and it is essential to derive the safe pharmacological dose whenever the plant material is tested for efficacy studies.

INDUCTION OF APOPTOSIS BY FATTY ACID RICH FRACTION OF SOLANUM NIGRUM ON CERVICAL CANCER CELL LINES

Objective: Mechanism of cell death inducing pathway of chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of Solanum nigrum were studied in a panel of cervical cancer cell line.Methods: Cells were treated with IC50 doses (previously determined by MTT assay), and various experiments were performed. For cellular and nuclear morphology, cells were stained with Hoechst33258 and observed under phase and fluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle shift and apoptotic assay (AnnexinV-FITC/PI) were studied by flow cytometry. Expressions of relevant genes were studied at the transcriptional and translational levels. ROS induction and loss of MMP and presence of γH2AX were studied by fluorescent microscopy. Constituents of the fraction were separated by column chromatography and bioassayed by MTT assay. Bioactive sub-fractions were identified by GC-MS.Results: Typical apoptotic morphological features were found in the treated cells. Most cells were found in late apoptotic stages. In HeLa and C33A cell lines, cells were blocked at G1/S, in SiHa, subG0 population increased. Expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 decreased and that of proapoptotic BAX, p53, p21 increased. Expression of HPV16 and human ET1 also decreased. ROS mediated DNA damage was detected and induced apoptosis. Different fatty acids along with other compounds were detected in the chloroform fraction, all of which are reported to have anticancer properties.Conclusion: From the study it can be concluded that fatty acid rich chloroform fraction of S. nigrum is capable of inducing apoptosis in cervical cancer cells, through ROS mediated DNA damage.

Antidiabetic and antiplatelet aggregation study of various methanol fractions of Nymphaea stellata Willd. leaves

Summary Introduction: Nymphaea stellata Willd. (Nymphaeaceae) is traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes. Alcohol extract of N. stellata leaves has been reported for hypoglycaemic activity. Objective: The aim of this study was to further investigate the different methanol fractions of N. stellata leaves for anti-diabetic activity and anti-platelet aggregation activity. Methods: Methanol extract was fractioned in to unsaponified petroleum ether fraction of methanol extract (UPFME), chloroform fraction of methanol extract (CFME) and residual fraction of methanol extract (RFME). All fractions were evaluated for in vivo anti-diabetic activity (STZ-NAD-induced rat model), in vitro anti-diabetic activity (PTP1B inhibition study) and anti-platelet aggregation activity. Results: UPFME showed significant changes in all studied parameters, compared to the diabetic control. UPFME also showed an IC50 value of 19.30±1.1 mg/ml and 13.11±0.7 μg/ml in PTP1B inhibition study and anti-platelet aggregation study, respectively. Conclusion: The study indicates that UPFME of N. stellata leaves exhibit anti-diabetic and anti-platelet aggregation activity.

Protective effect of polyacetylene from Dendropanax morbifera Leveille leaves on pulmonary inflammation induced by cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide

As part of an ongoing search for active compounds against pulmonary inflammation, a polyacetylene was isolated from Dendropanax morbifera leaves. The polyacetylene (9Z, 16S)-16-Hydroxy-9,17-octadecadiene-12,14-diynoic acid) was isolated from the chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of D. morbifera leaves based on the IL-6 inhibitory activity evaluated in NCI-H292 cells. In the murine model of cigarette smoke (CS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced airway inflammation, the polyacetylene significantly attenuated the infiltration of inflammatory cells in BALF (broncoalveolar lavage fluid) and in the lung. In addition, this compound reduced ROS (reactive oxygen species) production and NE (neutrophil elastase) activity, and decreased the release of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) in BALF. Furthermore, the polyacetylene reduced mucus secretion and the activation of ERK, p-38 and NF-κB in the lung. These findings suggest that the polyacetylene might be valuable constituent of D. morbifera as a material for functional food alleviating pulmonary inflammation disease such as COPD.

Isolation and identification of bioactive compounds from chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of Carissa opaca roots

Carissa opaca is a shrub known for its variety of medicinal applications. This study reports isolation and identification of four chemical compounds from its roots for the first time. The methanolic extract of the roots was fractionated into various solvents with increasing polarity. Chloroform fraction was subjected to column and thin layer chromatography to ultimately yield 2H-cyclopropanaphthalene-2-one, 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethylbenzofuran and 5(1H)-azulenone, 2,4,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,8-dimethyl-4-(1-methylethylidene)-,(8S-cis). They were identified by GC–MS analysis. The compounds exhibited considerable antimicrobial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger with zones of inhibition ranging from 10 to 13 mm as compared to the standard drug amoxicillin with zones of inhibition 13–17 mm under the similar conditions. In conclusion, the roots of C. opaca can provide new leads for future antimicrobial drugs.

Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Thrombolytic and Antioxidant Activities of Syzygium fruticosum (Roxb.) DC.

The crude methanol extracts of the bark and leaves of Syzygium fruticosum (Roxb.) DC. were partitioned with petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and water for biological investigation. In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction of leaf extract (LCTF) showed significant lethality having the LC50 value 0.65 ?g/ml. In free radical scavenging activity screening (DPPH assay), chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of bark of S. fruticosum showed the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 20.01 ?g/ml. In the microbiological investigation, only chloroform soluble fraction of bark (BCF) and aqueous fraction of bark (BAF) showed mild antimicrobial activity with zone of inhibition ranging from 7 to 14 mm as compared to standard ciprofloxacin (zone of inhibition of 50 mm). In the study for thrombolytic property, different extracts of S. fruticosum revealed varying degrees of thrombolytic activity ranging from 33.46% to 62.51%. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v17i1.22315 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 17(1): 51-54, 2014

A new ester of fatty acid from a methanol extract of the whole plant of Amaranthus spinosus and its α-glucosidase inhibitory activity

Context: Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as “spiny pigweed”, is used both in the Indian traditional system and in folk medicine to treat diabetes.Objective: The present study evaluates the scientific basis of antidiabetic activity of chloroform fraction of methanol extract of A. spinosus and of an isolated constituent of A. spinosus.Materials and methods: HPLC analysis was performed to determine the purity and the amount of the constituent present in the plant extract. The yeast α-glucosidase inhibition technique was used to determine the antidiabetic activity of A. spinosus. Acarbose was used as a standard. An appropriate therapeutic approach for preventing diabetes mellitus and obesity is to retard the absorption of glucose by inhibition of α-glucosidase.Results: One novel fatty acid with strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity – (14E, 18E, 22E, 26E) – methyl nonacosa-14, 18, 22, 26 tetraenoate [1] (IC50 value 6.52 µM/mL) and β-sitosterol [2] were purified. Compound 1 was found to be more potent than the methanol extract. HPLC quantative analysis revealed that 0.15% of compound 1 and 0.06% of compound 2 were present in the plant extract.Conclusion: This novel fatty acid can potentially be developed as a novel natural nutraceutical for the management of diabetes.

Phytochemical study of aerial parts from Phlomis tuberosa L

Three iridoid glycoside lamiide(I), Ipolamiide(II) and ipolamiide(III) were isolated from N-butanol fractions obtained from the column chromatography of methanol extract from the aerial parts of Phlomis tuberosa. In addition, iridoid cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylic acid, 7-methyl-, methyl ester and phenol, 4-(3-hydroxy-1-propenyl)-2-methoxy were determined from the chloroform fraction of methanol extract of aerial parts from Phlomis tuberosa. Isolation and structural elucidation of compounds were accomplished by PTLC, TLC, CC and spectroscopic methods (UV, 13C and 1H NMR and DEPT, GC-MS). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v14i0.192 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 14 (40), 2013, p20-24

Chromatographic finger print analysis of anti–inflammatory active extract fractions of aerial parts of Tribulus terrestris by HPTLC technique

To develop HPTLC fingerprint profile of anti-inflammatory active extract fractions of Tribulus terrestris (family Zygophyllaceae). The anti-inflammatory activity was tested for the methanol and its fractions (chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous) and chloroform extract of Tribulus terrestris (aerial parts) by injecting different groups of rats (6 each) with carrageenan in hind paw and measuring the edema volume before and 1, 2 and 3 h after carrageenan injection. Control group received saline i.p. The extracts treatment was injected i.p. in doses of 200 mg/kg 1 h before carrageenan administration. Indomethacin (30 mg/kg) was used as standard. HPTLC studies were carried out using CAMAG HPTLC system equipped with Linomat IV applicator, TLC scanner 3, Reprostar 3, CAMAG ADC 2 and WIN CATS-4 software for the active fractions of chloroform fraction of methanol extract. The methanol extract showed good antiedematous effect with percentage of inhibition more than 72%, indicating its ability to inhibit the inflammatory mediators. The methanol extract was re-dissolved in 100 mL of distilled water and fractionated with chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The four fractions (chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous) were subjected to anti-inflammatory activity. Chloroform fraction showed good anti-inflammatory activity at dose of 200 mg/kg. Chloroform fraction was then subjected to normal phase silica gel column chromatography and eluted with petroleum ether-chloroform, chloroform-ethyl acetate mixtures of increasing polarity which produced 15 fractions (F1-F15). Only fractions F1, F2, F4, F5, F7, F9, F11 and F14 were found to be active, hence these were analyzed with HPTLC to develop their finger print profile. These fractions showed different spots with different Rf values. The different chloroform fractions F1, F2, F4, F5, F7, F9, F11 and F14 revealed 4, 7, 7, 8, 9, 7, 7 and 6 major spots, respectively. The results obtained in this experiment strongly support and validate the traditional uses of this Sudanese medicinal plant.

In vitro and in vivo aphrodisiac properties of Corchorus depressus Linn. on rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle relaxation and sexual behavior of normal male rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCorchorus depressus Linn. has been used as an aphrodisiac in traditional Indian medicine to treat male sexual dysfunction and impotency. Aim of the studyThe petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions of 95% methanol extract of Corchorus depressus were screened initially for their in vitro aphrodisiac activity on rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle. The chloroform fraction (CDC) was found to be the most active and therefore investigated further on general mating behavior, libido and potency of normal male Wistar albino rats in comparison with the standard drug, Sildenafil citrate. Materials and methodsAnimals were divided into the following groups: Control, SC CDC 100, CDC 200, and CDC 400, who received saline, Sildenafil citrate or the chloroform fraction of Corchorus depressus at doses of 100, 200 or 400mg/kg b.wt., respectively. The route of administration for all the groups was oral dosing, which was once in a day for 45 days. To analyze the mating behavior, female rats with estrus phase were used. ResultsThe chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of Corchorus depressus significantly reduced ML, IL, PEI and III. There was a significant increase in the MF, IF and EL and serum testosterone levels throughout the study period. The potency test significantly increased erections, quick flips, long flips and total reflex. In vitro aphrodisiac activity was significantly higher in chloroform fraction at a concentration of 25.0mg/ml, which induced 71.4% relaxation. The combined results of the above mentioned models indicate that the chloroform fraction of Corchorus depressus produces a significant increase in sexual activity as exhibited by 25mg/ml in vitro and 400mg/kg in vivo. In comparison with the control, all the drug-treated groups have shown drug-induced effects for a few parameters. ConclusionsIn vitro and in vivo studies provide valuable experimental evidence that the chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of Corchorus depressus possesses aphrodisiac property. This study further substantiates the ethnopharmacological claims of Corchorus depressus as a sexual stimulating agent and offers a significant potential for studying the effect on male sexual response and its dysfunctions.

Structural insights to investigate Conypododiol as a dual cholinesterase inhibitor from Asparagus adscendens

The main aim of the current study was to explore molecular insights for potentially new dual cholinesterase inhibitor(s) from Asparagus adscendens via molecular docking. This medicinal plant is traditionally used as a nerve tonic and remedy for memory impairments. Conypododiol was isolated from the chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of A. adscendens, based on bioactivity guided isolation . Conypododiol exhibited significant inhibition of both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, having the IC 50 values 2.17 ± 0.1 μM and 11.21 ± 0.1 μM, respectively. IC 50 values of the standard compound Galanthamine for both the enzymes were 0.537 ± 0.018 μM and 8.6 ± 0.27 μM, respectively. Based on MTT cytotoxicity assay, Conypododiol was found safe against LCMK-2 monkey kidney epithelial cells and mice hepatocytes. Molecular docking studies revealed the hydrogen bonding interactions of Conypododiol with His440 and Ser200 at esteratic site (ES), and also with Tyr334 at peripheral anionic site (PAS) of the aromatic gorge of acetylcholinesterase. Simultaneous contacts of Conypododiol with PAS and ES shows its significance as a bivalent ligand. This preliminary study highlighted the potential of Conypododiol to be further developed and modified as new lead compound identified by its folk use.

New antitrypanosomal tetranotriterpenoids from &lt;i&gt;Azadirachta Indica&lt;/i&gt;

Organic extracts of the leaves of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. yielded ten antitrypanosomal terpenoids. Three of these (1-3), are novel and are derivatives of nimbolide and nimbin. They were extracted from chloroform fraction of methanol extract. These compounds were found to exhibit strong antitrypanosomal activities against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense with MIC values ranging of 6.9, 15.6 and 7.8 µg/ml respectively and were more active than Cymerlarsan (a standard drug), which had an MIC value of 187.5 µg/ml when tested against T. b. rhodesiense. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including; NMR, MS, UV and IR.

ISOLASI DAN IDENTIFIKASI SENYAWA KIMIA SERTA UJI AKTIVITAS ANTICANDIDAISIS SERBUK DAUN SIRIH DUDUK (Piper sarmentosum Roxb. Ex Hunter)

Sirih duduk or Piper sarmentosum Roxb. ex Hunter have been long used the people in Indonesia for traditional medicine to cure various diseases. One of them was used to treat fungoid diseases. This research was aimed to examine the anticandidaisis activity from extract of P. sarmentosum leaves and to isolate and identify the anticandidaisis compounds from P. sarmentosum leaves. The isolation bioactive compounds of P. sarmentosumleaves was performed by extraction the powder of P. sarmentosum leaves using methanol and the bioactivity tests were performed against Candida albicans. The methanol extracts was then fractionated using organic solvents such as n-hexane, benzene, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. Identification of the bioactive compounds was carried out using ultraviolet-visible spectrometry, fourier transform infra red spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The result showed that the chloroform fraction of methanol extract of P. sarmentosum leaves have activity against C. albicans. The fractionation was performed by coloumn chromatography using n-hexane-ethyl acetate(1:1) eluent. A bioactive compound of sinamic acid derivative was 4-ethoxy-2-hidroxy-3,5-dimethoxy sinamic acid could be purely isolated.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Crinum asiaticum plant and its effect on bradykinin-induced contractions on isolated uterus

Crinum asiaticum Linn plant is used in Malaysia as a rheumatic remedy and to relieve local pain. In the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of this plant extract on carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema in mice. C. asiaticum was serially extracted with petroleum ether, followed by chloroform and lastly, methanol. The chloroform and methanol extracts of the plant given orally (50 mg kg−1) caused significant (p<0.05; n=7) reduction in paw oedema but the petroleum ether extract did not induce significant effect (p>0.05) on paw oedema. The methanol extract was then dissolved in water and extracted consecutively with chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol. The chloroform fraction of methanol extract (CFME) treatment (50 mg kg−1) significantly reduced (p<0.05; n=7) the acute paw oedema. This may indicate that active anti-inflammatory compounds are present in the CFME. In an attempt to study the mechanism of action of its anti-inflammatory activity, the effects of CFME on BK- and histamine-induced contractions were investigated in isolated rat uterus and guinea-pig ileum preparations, respectively. It was found that CFME caused dose-dependent reduction (p<0.05; n=6) of the contractile response induced by BK and shifted the log dose–response curve of histamine to the right. The present findings suggest that C. asiaticum possessed an anti-inflammatory activity as suggested by its use in traditional medicine. The anti-inflammatory activity of this plant could not have been due to its anti-bradykinin activities as CFME non-specifically inhibited BK-induced contraction. It also suggest that CFME may contain compound(s) with anti-histaminic properties. The significance of these findings is discussed.