Pharmacological Screening of Dikamali Resin Extract

In the present study, dikamali resin (obtained from the leaf buds and the young shoots of Gardenia gummifera Linn.) was extracted with diethyl ether and the extract was vacuum dried. Qualitative tests confirmed the presence of flavonoids and free phenolic compounds in the extract. The antioxidant property (qualitative) of the extract was performed by TLC method $({\beta}-carotene-linoleate method)$. The $LD_{50}$ of the extract was found to be 2227 mg/kg by Karber's arithmetic method. The extract was screened for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and anthelmintic (0.1,0.2 and 0.5%w/v) activities by standard methods. The extract exhibited antioxidant property and prevented oxidation of ${\beta}-carotene$. The extract exhibited significant graded dose response for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and anthelmintic activities. The extract caused the death of earthworms in all experimental concentration whereas the standard drug (piperazine) only effected paralysis. The present study proved the claims of dikamali resin mentioned in the Indian system of medicine.