G. Leelaprakash ,S.Mohan Dass
Methanol extract of whole plant of Enicostemma axillare (Family: Gentianaceae) was assessed for its anti-inflammatory activity by invitro methods. Invitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using albumin denaturation assay, proteinase inhibitory activity, membrane stabilization, and anti-lipoxygenase activity at different concentrations. Aspirin, Diclofenac sodium, Indomethacin were used as standard drugs. The results showed that Enicostemma axillare Methanol Extract (EAME) at a concentration range of 100-500μg/ml significantly (p<0.01) protects the heat induced protein denaturation. At the concentration of 400 and 500 μg/ml, EAME showed significant (p<0.01) inhibition of 42 and 53% of proteinase inhibitory action, but at the concentration of 100 and 200 μg/ml did not show significant (p>0.05) activity. Heat induced haemolysis of erythrocyte was significantly (p<0.05) inhibited at the concentration of 400 and 500μg/ml. Hypotonicity induced haemolysis and lipoxygenase activity were significantly (p<0.01) inhibited at the concentration range of 200-500μg/ml and 400, 500μg/ml respectively. The results obtained in the present study indicate that methanol extracts of Enicostemma axillare can be a potential source of anti-inflammatory agents.
