Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the fruits of Vernonia anthelmintica (L) Willd.

ObjectiveTo evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the fruits of Vernonia anthelmintica (L) Willd. (V. anthelmintica).MethodHot plate method in mice, acetic acid induced writhing response in mice, tail immersion test and carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and cotton pellet induced granuloma in rats method were used for screening analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the fruit of V. anthelmintica (family: Asteraceae).ResultsThe result of the study showed that the ethanolic extract of V. anthelmintica (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) fruits possed peripheral and central analgesic activity in animal model. The V. anthelmintica fruits extract showed in vivo anti-inflammatory activity on acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activity models in rats.ConclusionsOn the basis of result it can be concluded that saponins, steroids, tannins and flavonoids are the major constituents that are present in the fruits of V. anthelmintica which may be responsible for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.