ABSTRACT
Background: Curcuma longa or turmeric is a popular Ayurvedic herb, traditionally used for various inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and spondylitis. Turmeric which containing phytochemical ingredient curcumin is used in India for centuries as a topical anti inflammatory agent. Many of the currently used anti inflammatory agents like NSAID’s and glucocorticoids have many undesirable adverse effects, especially when they are used for long period. In the present study, Curcuma longa, a plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family was chosen for investigating its anti-inflammatory effects.Methods: The rhizomes of Curcuma longa were collected locally. The extract was prepared by soxlet extraction with 50% ethanol. Albino rats of Wistar strain (170-250grams) obtained from the animal house of medical college Thiruvananthapuram were used. Aspirin was purchased from sigma Labs, Mumbai. Anti-inflammatory effect of the extract was done in rats by the method of Carrageenin induced paw oedema.Results: The ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa inhibited the development of oedema at the end of 3 hours. The anti-inflammatory activity exhibited by the extract was dose dependent and statistically significant at dose levels of 1000-mg/kg and comparable to that of standard drug used Aspirin.Conclusions: The present study with extract of Curcuma longa revealed that it has significant anti-inflammatory activity.
ABSTRACT
Background: Substantial part of the world population has been known for a long time to suffer from peptic ulcer disease. In the present study, Curcuma longa, a plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family was chosen for investigating its anti-ulcer properties.Methods: The rhizomes of Curcuma longa were collected locally. The extract was prepared by soxhlet extraction with 50% ethanol. Albino rats of Wistar strain (120-200 grams) obtained from the animal house of medical college Thiruvananthapuram were used. Ranitidine was collected from Kerala Sate Drugs and Pharmaceutical LTD Alapuzha. Antiulcer study in rats were done using the method of pyloric ligation.Results: Antiulcer study in rats using the method of pyloric ligation, extract of Curcuma longa in 1000mg/Kg dose levels exhibited significant protection against shay ulceration. The results were comparable to that of standard drug Ranitidine.Conclusions: The present study with extract of Curcuma longa revealed that it has significant anti-ulcer activity.