Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTI - ARTHRITIC ACTIVITY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF THE RUELLIA TUBEROSA LEAVES IN ALBINO – RATS

*Archanaa M.

ABSTRACT

This research was conducted to assess the anti-arthritic properties of the alcoholic extract derived from the leaves of Ruellia Tuberosa in albino rats, utilizing an appropriate animal model. The Ruellia Tuberosa (L.) plant was gathered and verified for authenticity. The leaves underwent a drying process for ten days before being ground into a coarse powder. This coarse powder was then subjected to extraction using a Soxhlet apparatus with various solvents. Phytochemical analysis was performed through a series of tests. The induction of arthritic activity was achieved via Freund’s adjuvant injection. The measurement of paw volume was carried out using a plethysmometer. The alcoholic extract of Ruellia Tuberosa (L.)demonstrated anti-arthritic effects in the rat subjects. The arthritic condition induced by Freund’s adjuvant injection was alleviated in the treatment group, as indicated by the plethysmometer readings. The results of this study indicate that the alcoholic extract of Ruellia Tuberosa (L.) leaves exhibits anti-arthritic activity, albeit to a lesser extent, and may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the management of arthritis. Additional research is necessary to investigate the mechanism of action and the safety profile of this extract.

Keywords: Ruellia Tuberosa (L.), anti-arthritic activity, extract, plethysmometer, Freund’s adjuvant injection.