Evaluation of in-vivo antiarthritic potential of methanolic extract of Costus speciosus rhizome.

Objective: To evaluate anti-arthritic potential of methanolic extract of rhizome of Costus speciosus Koen. Methods: The powdered drug was extracted with 80% methanol. The crude extract was subjected to phytochemical investigation and was evaluated for its anti-arthritic potential by freund’s complete adjuvant induced arthritis model in adult wistar albino rats. Determination of different parameters like arthritic score, arthritic index, paw thickness, body weight, and pain, altered liver enzymes and biochemical estimation like, nitric oxide level and Plasma TNF-α level was done. Finally, radiological estimation and histopathology of tibio tarsal joints was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using one way ANOVA followed by Dunnet’s test at different p-values. Results: Phytochemical study revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compound, saponins and carbohydrates. For different parameter mentioned above, anti-arthritic activity shown by prophylactic high dose test extract (200 mg/kg) was as potent as standard drug Indomethacin (10 mg/kg). The effect of Prophylactic low dose extract (100 mg/kg) and therapeutic high dose extract (200 mg/kg) was less than that of Indomethacin (10 mg/kg). Furthermore, Therapeutic low dose extract (100 mg/kg) was not effective. Conclusions: The obtained results indicate that Costus speciosus rhizome extract possess significant anti-arthrtic potential.

Pharmacological evaluation of Pachyrrhizus erosus (L) seeds for central nervous system depressant activity.

The research work deals with the screening of ethanol and chloroform extracts of Pachyrrhizus erosus seeds for central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity. The Pachyrrhizus erosus seed is known to contain rotinoids, flavonoids and phenylfuranocoumarin derivatives as chemical components and is reported to have antifungal, antisecretory, insecticides, antibacterial and spasmolytic activity. Since seeds of Pachyrrhizus erosus is used as folk medicine in treatment of insomnia, we made an attempt to study its CNS depressant effect. The different activities studied were potentiation of pentobarbitone-induced sleep, test for locomotor activity, effect on muscle co-ordination, antiaggressive and antianxiety activities. The result of the study reflected that ethanol extract of the seeds (150 mg/kg, p.o) decreased locomotor activity, produced muscle relaxation and showed antianxiety and antiaggressive activity.