Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of Ammannia baccifera L. (Lythracceae), a folklore medicinal plant

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAmmannia baccifera L. has been reported as folklore remedy for the treatment of inflammation and tumor in the state of Rajasthan, India.Aim of the studyThe present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of the methanol extract from the aerial parts of Ammannia baccifera under in vitro and in vivo models.Materials and methodsThe in vitro antioxidant activity of the extract was measured using DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan induced paw edema. Analgesic activity of the methanol extract was estimated against acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate methods.ResultsThe IC50 value for free radical scavenging activity of this extract was significantly superior over the positive standards butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA) and rutin. The extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. The analgesic effect of the higher dose of the extract (200 mg/kg) was comparable with the standard drugs aspirin and morphine.ConclusionThe present study scientifically validated the traditional use of this plant against inflammation.

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