Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity Pericarps of Sapindus emarginatus Vahl Srikanth J1,*, Muralidharan P2 1Department of Pharmacology, Sri Ramachandra College of Pharmacy, Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai-600116, Tamilnadu 2Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, C.L.Baid Metha College of Pharmacy, Jyothi Nager, Thoraippakkam, Chennai-600 097, Tamilnadu *Corresponding Author: Mr. J. Srikanth, Sri Ramachandra College of Pharmacy, Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai-600116, Tamilnadu, India E-mail: srikanthcologist@rediffmail.com Phone-09841572460
Online published on 20 March, 2013. Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of pericarps of Sapindus emarginatus. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the pericarps revealed the presence of saponins, terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides and sugars. The central analgesic activity of the extract was evaluated using eddy's hot plate method and formalin test whereas peripheral analgesic activity using acetic acid induced writhing test. The extract was studied for anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats and the paw volume was measured plethysmometrically. The study was carried out using dose (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) of the extract. Pentazocin (10mg/kg, i.p.) is the standard drug for the centrally acting analgesic activity whereas indomethacin (10mg/kg, i.p.) is the standard for peripheral acting analgesics and anti-inflammatory activity. The statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnet's test. P value less than 0.5 were considered significant. The methanolic extract of Sapindus emarginatus significantly (p<0.05) reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and analgesic activity evidenced by increase in the reaction time by eddy's hot plate method. It also significantly inhibited the neurogenic and inflammatory pain in formalin test as well as the writhing reaction induced by acetic acid. The methanolic extract of Sapindus emarginatus showed significant antiinflammatory and analgesic effect comparative to the standard drugs. The pharmacological screening of the extract showed significant antinociceptive activity with anti-inflammatory profile. Top Keywords Sapindus emarginatus, carrageenan, inflammation, paw edema. Top |