Differential inhibitory potencies of alcoholic extract of different parts of Dryopteris chrysocoma on inflammation in mice and rats.

Phytomedicinal therapy for inflammation is not new and it is highly effective for the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. The inflammation is one of the initial parameter for most of the disorders occurring in the body. The anti-inflammatory potential can be determined by using various techniques. Dryopteris chrysocoma is a male fern commonly found in damp and moist areas of Pakistan. The study was conducted on mice and rats by inducing inflammation with subcutaneous administration of formalin and Carrageenan in hind paw. The results were compared with standard drug Aspirin administered orally in the dose of 300 mg/kg and a decrease in hind paw volume was observed. The intensity of edema was observed in mice after formalin injection and the time of disappearance of edema was observed. In rats the inhibition of inflammation by root, leaves and stem extract was 51.19%, 41.66% and 30.95% respectively after administration of formalin. Similar inhibition of inflammation produced by root, leaves and stem extracts i.e. 57%, 42% and 35% respectively in Carrageenan treated rats. Root extract showed the highly significant results at p ≤ 0.05. The comparative study explored the root extract has more potent anti-inflammatory activity than leaves extract. The stem extract has less potent anti-inflammatory action.