Abstract

EFFICACY OF LEUCAS URTICAEFOLIA ETHANOLIC EXTRACT ON CARRAGEENAN-INDUCED PAW EDEMA MODEL OF WISTAR ALBINO RATS

John Wesley J.*, Abina A., Brintha S. and Anisha C. B.

ABSTRACT

Despite being mainly a defensive mechanism, inflammation can occasionally lead to life-threatening clinical conditions. Due to considerable toxicity and side effects of anti inflammatory drugs, it is a good to find out successful therapeutic novel harmless herbal drugs for treating inflammation. Our study's main objectives was to assess the anti-inflammatory qualities of Leucas urticaefolia ethanolic extract and to compare it with the widely used drug diclofenac sodium using a carrageenan-induced paw edema model. 90% ethanol was used to extract solvent from dried and powdered Leucas urticaefolia leaves. Qualitative phytochemical screening has shown the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, flavanoids, quinones, tannins and anthraquinones. Acute oral toxicity study was done in accordance with Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines No. 423. Leucas urticaefolia ethanolic extract was subjected to preclinical anti-inflammatory screening using carrageenin-induced paw oedema in Wistar Albino rats. Significant anti-inflammatory
action has been shown by oral administration of Leucas urticaefolia leaf ethanolic extract at dosage of 200 mg/kg compared to the control. Even though Leucas urticaefolia administered orally has demonstrated a strong anti-inflammatory effect, more research is needed to analyse its full analysis, including quantitative and semi-quantitative analysis.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory activity, Leucas urticaefolia, Carrageenan, Diclofenac sodium.