Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of aqueous extract of Eleusine indica (Linn.) Gaertner

Abstract

     The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the aqueous extract of dried aerial parts of Eleusine indica (Linn.) Gaertner. The analgesic activity was evaluated in 1 % acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice. The writhing was counted and calculated the time of writhes within 40 minutes. The extracts was studied for its anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced hind paw edema mice and the paw volume was measured plethysmometrically at (3, 6, and 24) hours after injection. Diclofenac 5 mg/kg b.w., p.o. was used as a positive control. The extract at dosages of (250 and 500) mg/kg b.w., p.o. significantly reduced the number of writhes at (35.98 and 53.78) % and the time of writhes at (38.00 and 57.85) % (p < 0.05), respectively. The extract at doses of (250 and 500) mg/kg b.w., p.o treatment prevented carrageenan-induced inflammatory edema by (38.29 and 42.58) % when measured 24 hours following the carrageenan injection, respectively. The results of the study indicated that the aqueous extract of Eleusine indica (Linn.) Gaertner has anti-inflammatory and analgesic potentials that can be exploited in the management of pain and inflammatory conditions.