Anti-inflammatory activity of roots of Ecbolium viride (Forsk) Merrill

Traditionally the aqueous extracts of dried roots of the plant Ecbolium viride are used for menorrhagia, rheumatism and jaundice. The aim was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Ecbolium viride extract in an in vivo model. The ethyl acetate fraction of Ecbolium viride root extract was prepared and administered orally to rats. The anti-inflammatory activity of Ecbolium viride was determined by carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma models. Oral administration of Ecbolium viride extract reduced inflammation significantly ( P < 0.01) in both the carageenan paw edema and the cotton pellet granuloma models. The results of the study supported the traditional use of Ecbolium viride in the treatment for inflammatory disease.