Anti-inflammatory efficacy of methanolic extract of Muntingia calabura L. leaves in Carrageenan induced paw edema model.

The plant Muntingia calabura L. is a well-known herb which gained attention due to its pharmacological value. The necessity of this plant in human ailments is illustrious in old medical practices. Muntingia calabura L. leaves were therapeutically used for ulcer, fever, headache etc. The study was designed to assess the acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory potential of methanolic extract of Muntingia calabura L. (MEMC) in in vivo models. Two different doses (550, 2000 mg/kg body weight) of MEMC were taken to evaluate the acute toxicity response. The drugs were given orally to wistar rats and were monitored for behavioral changes and mortality for 14 days period. The blood parameter analysis, serum analysis of liver and kidney injury markers and histopathological evaluation of kidney, heart and liver were carried out. The Carrageenan induced paw edema model was performed to inspect the anti-inflammatory response of MEMC. The level of CRP in serum and the histological alterations in the paw tissue were evaluated. There were no evident symptoms of toxicity observed in animals treated with MEMC at the dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. The Carrageenan induced paw edema model study established the anti-inflammatory potential of MEMC. The MEMC, which is innoxious, can act as a potential anti-inflammatory drug.