Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of alcoholic extract from Viola tricolor.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory actions of Viola tricolor aerial parts tincture.

METHODS

The anti-inflammatory activity of the tincture from Viola tricolor aerial parts was tested in acute inflammation induced with oil of turpentine (i.m. 0.6 ml/100 g b.w.) in male Wistar rats. The results were compared with those from a positive control group with experimental inflammation and with those of a group treated with diclofenac (30 mg/100 g b.w.). We tested the effects by measuring total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count, a test of in vitro phagocytosis and by the evaluation of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis measuring the metabolites (nitrites and nitrates).

RESULTS

Viola tricolor extract (50 mg tincture/100 g b.w.) significantly reduced polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes percentages and the activation of circulating phagocytes. Nitric oxide synthesis had a slight decrease.

CONCLUSIONS

Viola tricolor extract had anti-inflammatory effect on bone marrow acute phase response.