Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Ichnocarpus frutescens root

Ichnocarpus frutescens has been widely used in the traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of diseases. In the present study anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property of roots of this plant was investigated. The anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of Ichnocarpus frutescens [MEIF] was evaluated by carrageenan, and cotton pellet induced granuloma tests to determine its effects on acute and chronic phase of inflammation models in rats. Preliminary Phytochemical analysis of methanolic extracts showed presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, and sterols. Maximum inhibition [54.63%] was obtained at the dose of 100 mg/kg after 3 hrs of drug treatment in carrageenan induced paw oedema, whereas indomethacin produced 57.65% of inhibition. In the chronic model, 300 mg/kg of MEIF like indomethacin and dexamethasone standard drug decreased formation of granuloma tissue by 22.64, 29.63% and 34.84% respectively. The successive methanol re-extract of Ichnocarpus frutescens root [MEIF] exhibited strong scavenging effects on 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl [DPPH] free radical, nitric oxide, super oxide anion, hydroxyl radical and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. These results clearly indicate strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Ichnocarpus frutescens root