Anti-inflammatory Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Ficus bengalensis Linn. in Carrageenan Induced Paw Edema In Rats

Ficus bengalensis of family Moraceae was extensively utilized by the tradipractitioners for its various ethnopharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate, experimentally, the antiinflammatory effect of ethanolic extract of the bark of F. bengalensis in carrageenan induced paw edema in rats at a dose level of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, orally. The extract was administered for the antiinflammatory activity 1 h prior to carrageenan injection in the subplantar region. Paw edema was measured by plethysmometer on 1st and 3rd h, after carrageenan injection. F. bengalensis extracts at all the doses significantly prevented the inflammation in dose dependent manner which was comparable to that of diclofenac sodium (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). The phytochemical analysis of F. bengalensis extracts revealed the presence of antioxidant phytochemicals such as flavonoids and tannins, and thus the antiinflammatory action of F. bengalensis extracts may be subsequent to its in vivo antioxidant activity. F. bengalensis extracts eliminate the systemic oxidative stress produced by carrageenan injection.