Pharmacological investigation of Cassia italica.

In the present study, the ethanolic extract of the whole plant parts (root, stem leaves and pods) of Cassia italica (Mill.) Lam. ex F.W. Ander (Leguminosae) was investigated for bioactivities: namely anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic and prostaglandin (PG) release by rat peritoneal leucocytes, antineoplastic and antiviral. In rats, the extracts reduced carrageenin-induced paw swelling (100 mg/kg bw-31%) and fever (100 mg/kg bw-37%). The extract showed weak effect on writhing induced by acetic acid. A dose-dependent inhibition of PG release effect was observed using rat peritoneal leucocytes.