Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Aerial Parts of Flacourtia sepiaria Roxb

Aim: To investigate the possible anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the crude methanol (MEF) and ethyl acetate (EAEF) extracts of the aerial parts of Flacourtia sepiaria Roxb belonging to the family Flacourtiaceae.

Methods: Anti-inflammatory property of the MEF and EAEF extracts was tested by carrageenan induced acute paw edema in rats. For evaluating analgesic effects, acetic acid induced writhing test in mice and tail immersion tests in rats were conducted. The in vitro cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory activity was also conducted using COX inhibitory assay kit. Result: Both MEF and EAEF of Flacourtia sepiaria were found to have in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects. The most potent drug was found as diclofenac sodium (67%) in 6 h measurement, while MEF (65%) and EAEF (55.17%) of Flacourtia sepiaria in 400 mg/kg dose were found to have significant ability to reduce inflammation, with respect to control values. The extracts MEF and EAEF showed selective inhibitory activities against in vitro cyclooxygenases (COXs) inhibition assay. The MEF and EAEF decreased the acetic acid induced abdominal contraction and also significantly increased the reaction time of tail immersion test. These results showed that the plant extracts had both central and peripheral analgesic action. Conclusion: Thus the MEF and EAEF extracts of the aerial parts of Flacourtia sepiaria has significant antiinflammatory and analgesic activities.