A Study to Evaluate Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Different Parts of Solanum Melongena Linn. In Experimental Animals

Abstract

Background: Solanum melongena Linn. (brinjal) is traditionally used in inflammatory conditions, bronchitis, asthma and cardiac debility. It contains bioflavonoid glycoside solanoflavone with reported pharmacological actions. This study aimed to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of different parts of S. melongena in experimental animals.

Methods: Study was conducted at Pharmacology Dept., Assam Medical College (IAEC/AMC/11, dated 29/11/2016). Ethanolic extracts of leaves (AESML) and fruits (AESMF) were prepared by percolation with 95% ethanol. Acute oral toxicity was done as per OECD 425. Albino rats (100-200g, n=20) were divided into 4 groups (n=5): Control (normal saline 10 ml/kg), AESML 250 mg/kg, AESMF 250 mg/kg, and Standard aspirin 100 mg/kg, all p.o. Acute inflammation was induced by 0.1 ml 1% carrageenan in left hind paw after 1 hr of drug administration. Paw volume was measured by plethysmometer at 0-4 hr. Percentage inhibition was calculated. Data analyzed by ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test (p<0.01).

Results: No toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg. Both extracts showed significant (p<0.01) inhibition at all hours, maximum at 4th hour. Inhibition at 4th hr: AESML 60.93%, AESMF 73.43%, aspirin 78.12%. AESMF was more potent than AESML and comparable to aspirin.

Conclusion: Ethanolic extracts of S. melongena leaves and fruits possess significant acute anti-inflammatory activity, likely due to flavonoids inhibiting prostaglandin mediators.