Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of Pavetta indica Linn. leaf extract (family: Rubiaceae) in rats.

The anti-inflammatory potential of methanol extract of Pavetta indica Linn. leaves (Family: Rubiaceae) was evaluated against several models of inflammation such as carragenin, histamine and dextran induced pedal inflammation in rats. The extract showed 48.41%, 41.10% and 24.22% inhibition respectively; when compared to that of control animals. The effect was comparable with that of the standard drug indomethacin, a standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Simultaneous subplantar administration of the extract and carrageenin in a mixture helps in differentiating true anti-inflammatory action from an apparent anti-inflammatory effect due to counter-irritant activity. The methanol extract also effectively and significantly reduced cotton pellet induced granuloma. The percentage of inhibition was 62.78 at the dose 500 mg/kg, thereby suggesting its activity in the proliferative phase of the inflammatory process.