ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIPYRETIC EFFECTS OF CARPOLOBIA LUTEA LEAF EXTRACT IN RODENTS

Abstract

The polar and non-polar fractions from the leaf of Carpolobia lutea G. Don (Family Polygalaceae) were assessed for anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. Anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using acute anti-inflammatory models. Antipyretic activities of the fractions were also evaluated. It was found that all the fractions possessed significant (P<0.05-0.001) inhibitory effects on the acute phase of inflammation as seen in formalin, egg albumin, capsaicin-induced oedema and xylene-induced ear edema as well as in carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats. In the antipyretic model, significant (0.05-0.001) inhibition of pyrexia was exerted in 2, 4-dinitrophenol but not in yeast induced–pyrexia. No effects of the fractions were observed on the normal body temperature of the rats. The structural elucidation of the potent fraction reveals the presence of polyphenols. These findings justify ethno-medicinal uses as anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.