In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of rhizome of Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Sm

Inflammation is found as a common pathogenic process in many of the chronic diseases. To manage them drugs having multiple active principles is needed. Here comes the importance of easily available, potent herbal medicines. Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Sm., is a medicinal fern and its rhizome is an ingredient of some Ayurvedic formulations with inflammation. Through present study in vivo analysis of powder (choorna) of the drug were done. Wistar Albino rats were used for the purpose. One group was control (no treatment) and the other three were treated groups given with the suspension of powdered drug in half the calculated effective dose (0.108 gm/200 gm b. Wt.), calculated effective dose (0.216gm/200 gm b. Wt.) and double the calculated effective dose (0.432 gm/200 gm b. Wt.). Repeated measures ANNOVA with Tukey’s post hoc analysis was used as statistical tool to analyse results within the group and one way ANNOVA with Tukey’s post hoc analysis was used for between group analysis. In all the three treated groups significant reduction in paw oedema noted at 2nd hour and maximum reduction at 4th hour after drug administration. But a highly significant reduction in paw oedema at shortest time after drug intake was produced by group administered with double the calculated effective dose of the drug. This showed dose dependent anti-inflammatory action of powder of rhizome of Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Sm. This activity can be due to the presence of anti-inflammatory phytoconstituents in the rhizome such as naringin, quercetin, friedelin, betasitosterol, etc.