In Vitro Anti-inflammatory Activity of Exacum wightianum Arn. (Gentianaceae)- An Endemic Medicinal Plant.

ABSTRACT

The anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol, methanol and chloroform extracts of Exacum wightianum, was evaluated by carrageenan induced rat paw odema method. The dose effects of 200 mg/kg b.wt. of the ethanolic, methanolic and chloroform extracts of E. wightianum was more active than 100 mg/kg b.wt. and found to be statistically significant. In acute inflammation as produced by carrageenan 72.30% and 86.89% protection was observed in methanol extract of E. wightianum. These extracts did not show any sign of toxicity up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg.bw in rats.The results suggested that the methanolic extract of E. wightianum has exhibited an effective anti-inflammatory activity mediated via either by inhibition of cyclooxygenase cascade and by blocking the release of vasoactive substances like histamine, serotonin and kinins. The results also justified the use of this plant in traditional Indian medicine in the treatment of inflammation.