PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN VIVO ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF STEM EXTRACT OF LITSEA GLUTINOSA

Abstract

The present study aimed at phytochemical screening and in vivo anti -inflammatory activity of stem extract of Litsea glutinosa in formalin induced paw model. The Stems of the plant was collected, processed and tested for qualitative and quantitative parameters. Further by performing its actue toxicity study the extract anti -inflammatory effect was analyzed in Wistar rats. Results showed that the phytochemical tests revealed the presence of flavonoid, phenol, protein, carbohydrate and saponin. Extract found to have total phenolic content (equivalent to gallic acid) of 0.725mg/100 and the total content of flavonoid (equivalent to quercetin) was found 0.811mg/100 mg. From the in vivo test results it was observed that both doses of the hydroalcoholic extract of Litsea glutinosa (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) showed a significant decrease in paw volume compared to the control group.  In Litsea glutinosa 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg extract treated rats the Mean differences in Paw Volume was measured to be 1.05±0.50 ml and 0.80±0.50 ml respectively. While in diclofenac treated grou the paw volume was estimated to be 0.65±0.20ml. The percentage of inhibition for Group-IV (72.72%) and Group-V (79.22%) indicates a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect. While being a standard drug the % inhibition was observed to be 82.85%. These findings suggest that Litsea glutinosa extract possesses anti-edematous properties, and the higher dose exhibits a more pronounced effect. Similar to diclofenac, Litsea glutinosa exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effect in formaldehyde induced paw edema model. Thus, it can be concluded that the anti-inflammatory effects observed may be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds in Litsea glutinosa that modulate inflammatory pathways.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, Inflammation, Litsea glutinosa, Diclofenac, Formalin induced paw edema, Phytochemicals