Evaluation of Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Stem Bark of Bridelia airy- shawii in Rats

Objective: To investigate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of Stem Bark of Bridelia airy - shawii (Li). Materials and Methods: The anti-inflammatory activity of the petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of the stem bark of Bridelia airy - shawii. (Euphorbiaceae) were evaluated by using carrageenan induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma method in rat. The anti oxidant activity of all the extracts was determined by using Nitric oxide scavenging assay. Results: It was observed that, all the extracts significantly inhibited the carrageenan induced rat paw edema at the dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. orally, when compared with control and standard drug Ibuprofen. Extracts also suppressed the granulomatous tissue formation of chronic inflammation, when compared with standard drug Diclofenac sodium. The stem bark of B. airy - shawii extracts showed significant free radical scavenging activity against nitric oxide (NO^.) induced release of free radicals. Conclusion: Therefore, present study suggests, potential of stem bark of B. airy shawii in inhibition of both acute and chronic phases of an inflammatory process.