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

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ammannia baccifera L. has been reported as folklore remedy for the treatment of inflammation and tumor in the state of Rajasthan, India.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The 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 METHODS: The 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.

RESULTS: The IC(50) 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 200mg/kg p.o. The analgesic effect of the higher dose of the extract (200mg/kg) was comparable with the standard drugs aspirin and morphine.

CONCLUSION: The present study scientifically validated the traditional use of this plant against inflammation.