Anti-inflammatory activity of Ethanolic extract of Cnicus Benedictus

Abstract

Introduction: Cnicus benedictus has been used as treatment for liver disorders and menstrual problems. Different studies have been undertaken for various activities on extracts of the plant but, so far and to the best knowledge of the author(s), no one has reported anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic leaves extract of Cnicus benedictus.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Ethanolic leaf extract of Cnicus benedictus in albino wistar rats upon oral administration (100 and 200 mg/kg).

Method: Thirty albino wistar rats were taken and divided into five groups to study the anti-inflammatory activity of Ethanolic extract of Cnicus benedictus (CB). To induce oedema, 0.1 ml of 1% w/v carrageenan suspended in 1% CMC were injected into sub-plantar tissues of the left hind paw of each rat of Group 1, III, IV and V. Animals of group I were kept as  the normal control group. Indomethacin (10 mg/kg) was given to group III. Ethanolic extract of CB in a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg were given to group IV and V, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity of CB was compared with standard indomethacin treated animals, using plethysmometer.

Result:  The ethanolic extract of CB showed % inhibition of oedema 28.92 and 35.29 with dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively.

Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of CB at higher dose possesses a significant anti-inflammatory activity (P< 0.05) compared to a lower dose.