Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Oxalis corniculata in experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease in rats.

Background: Oxalis corniculata is traditionally well-known for its versatile uses. The present study was carried out to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract of O. corniculata (EEOC) leaves in experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease in rats. Methods: Rats were treated with the extract for 7 days following which acetic acid was used to induce colitis. Animals were euthanized, 24 hrs after induction of colitis and colon was removed and assessed for macroscopic injury, as well as also processed for histopathological examination. Sulfasalazine 360 mg/kg was used as the standard drug. The extract was used in 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses. Results: At all the three doses, the EEOC showed significant (p<0.01) antiinflammatory activity in experimental models. Conclusion: Results obtained in this study substantiate the anti-inflammatory effect of EEOC leaves.

Evaluation of the anti-nociceptive potential of ethanolic extract of leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum in experimental animals.

Background: The plant Bryophyllum pinnatum is traditionally used for the treatment of pain and inflammation. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of B. pinnatum (EEBP) using a hot plate method and acetic acid induced writhing test in mice. Methods: In the hot plate analgesiometer method, the time between the placement on the hot plate and the occurrence of licking of the paws, shaking or jumping off from the plate was recorded as response latency. Total numbers of stretching episodes for 30 mins immediately after acetic acid injection in all the groups were recorded in acetic acid induced writhing method. Pentazocine (10 mg/kg intraperitoneal) and aspirin (500 mg/kg) were used as the standard drugs in the hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing method, respectively. Extract was used in 200, 300 and 400 mg/ kg doses. Results: At all the three doses the EEBP showed signifi cant (p<0.01) anti-nociceptive activity in experimental models of Eddy’s hot plate analgesiometer and acetic acid induced writhing method in mice. Conclusion: The observed pharmacological activities provide the scientifi c basis to support traditional claims, as well as exploring some new and promising leads in the management of pain.