Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of Pavetta indica Linn. leaf extract (family: Rubiaceae) in rats

The anti‐inflammatory potential of methanol extract of Pavetta indica Linn. leaves (Family: Rubiaceae) was evaluated against several models of inflammation such as carragenin, histamine and dextran induced pedal inflammation in rats. The extract showed 48.41%, 41.10% and 24.22% inhibition respectively; when compared to that of control animals. The effect was comparable with that of the standard drug indomethacin, a standard non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug. Simultaneous subplantar administration of the extract and carrageenin in a mixture helps in differentiating true anti‐inflammatory action from an apparent anti‐inflammatory effect due to counter‐irritant activity. The methanol extract also effectively and significantly reduced cotton pellet induced granuloma. The percentage of inhibition was 62.78 at the dose 500 mg/kg, thereby suggesting its activity in the proliferative phase of the inflammatory process. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.