Evaluation of Anti –Inflammatory Activity of Eclipta alba in rats
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Evaluation of Anti –Inflammatory Activity of Eclipta alba in rats
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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S. Suresh Kumar, T. Sivakumar, M.J.N. Chandrasekar, B. Suresh
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Evaluation of Anti –Inflammatory Activity of Eclipta alba in rats
Year: 2005
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Eclipta alba, a member of the Asteraceae family, is a plant widely utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for treating conditions related to 'Kapha' and 'Vata'. Known as Karishalenganni in Tamil, this herb possesses a range of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-helmintic, and liver and skin disease treatments. The primary compounds reported in Eclipta alba include wedelolactone, a potent anti-hepatotoxic agent, and triterpenoidal saponin (Eclalbatin). Despite its traditional use, there is limited pharmacological research available regarding its effects. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of chloroform extract of Eclipta alba using standard animal models.
Inhibition of Inflammation
The study employed various models to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of Eclipta alba in experimental animal settings. Utilizing the carrageenin-induced paw edema model, significant inhibition (55.85%) was observed at a dose of 200 mg/kg, compared to Indomethacin, which exhibited a 61.30% reduction in paw edema. Further assessments included histamine and serotonin-induced paw edema models, with Eclipta alba showing marked effects in suppressing inflammation compared to the control. The results suggest that Eclipta alba exerts its effects likely by modulating the release or action of inflammatory mediators, such as histamine and serotonin, confirming its traditional utility in inflammation-related disorders.
Conclusion
The findings from this study demonstrate that chloroform extract of Eclipta alba exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity across acute and chronic inflammation models. The inhibition of inflammatory responses seen in both carrageenin-induced edema and cotton pellet granuloma tests suggests a potential therapeutic application for this herbal extract. These results warrant further investigation into the mechanisms of action and the active compounds responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects, promising a greater understanding of Eclipta alba's role in modern medicine. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of traditional medicine in the exploration of new therapeutic agents.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Eclipta alba and its uses in traditional medicine?
Eclipta alba, known as Karishalenganni, is an Ayurvedic herb used for treating liver and spleen enlargement, chronic skin diseases, and providing pain relief. It is also recognized for its anti-inflammatory, anti-helminthic, and blood purification properties.
What were the methods used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity?
The anti-inflammatory activity of Eclipta alba was evaluated using carrageenin-induced paw edema, histamine and serotonin-induced inflammation, and cotton pellet granuloma models in rats. Various doses of the extract were tested and compared to the standard drug Indomethacin.
What were the results regarding Eclipta alba's effectiveness?
Eclipta alba exhibited significant inhibition of inflammation, achieving 55.85% reduction in carrageenin-induced paw edema at 200 mg/kg. It also showed promising results against histamine and serotonin-induced edema, highlighting its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
What is the significance of the study's findings?
The study demonstrates that Eclipta alba possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties in various models, suggesting its therapeutic potential for managing inflammatory conditions. Its effectiveness is attributed to phytochemicals and possible synergistic effects from its constituents.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Evaluation of Anti –Inflammatory Activity of Eclipta alba in rats�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or irritants, characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and heat. The study evaluates the anti-inflammatory activity of Eclipta alba to assess its potential therapeutic effects against inflammation induced in experimental animal models, highlighting its significance in pain management and healing processes.
2) Activity:
Activity refers to the effectiveness or potency of a substance in eliciting a biological response. In the context of this study, it specifically pertains to the anti-inflammatory activity of Eclipta alba's extract, as evaluated through various models that indicate the plant's therapeutic potential in reducing inflammation in rats.
3) Drug:
A drug is a chemical substance used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose disease. In this study, Indomethacin serves as a standard drug for comparison with Eclipta alba, showcasing the extract's ability to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties relative to established pharmaceuticals in relation to inflammation models.
4) Edema (Oedema):
Edema is a medical condition characterized by excessive fluid accumulation in tissues, resulting in swelling. The study focuses on the effects of Eclipta alba on induced edema in rats, as measuring its impact on this condition is crucial for evaluating anti-inflammatory efficacy and potential therapeutic benefits in similar human conditions.
5) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree of harmful effects a substance can have on biological systems. The study includes an acute toxicity assessment for Eclipta alba to ensure safety prior to its therapeutic application, addressing potential risks and establishing a dosage range that maximizes efficacy while minimizing adverse effects in animal models.
6) Water:
Water functions as a crucial solvent and medium in biological processes and drug administration. In this study, water is used to suspend the extract for oral administration in rats. The provision of water ad libitum indicates the maintenance of hydration and normal physiological conditions necessary for accurate experimental outcomes.
7) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of drugs and their effects on living organisms. The article investigates the pharmacological properties of Eclipta alba, helping to establish its credentials as a potential agent for disease prevention and treatment by highlighting its significant anti-inflammatory activity in various experimental models.
8) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive chemical compounds derived from plants, demonstrating numerous health benefits. This study identifies the phytochemical profile of Eclipta alba, focusing on the extract's active components that contribute to its medicinal properties, particularly the anti-inflammatory activity being evaluated and its potential implications in therapeutic applications.
9) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the study of drugs, their interactions, effects on the body, and mechanisms of action. The relevance of pharmacology is highlighted in this study as it explores the anti-inflammatory effects of Eclipta alba, establishing a scientific foundation for its medicinal use based on research findings.
10) Discussion:
Discussion in the context of this study involves the interpretation and implications of results regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of Eclipta alba. It provides insights into the mechanisms by which the extract may exert its effects, considerate of existing literature, and emphasizes the significance of findings in relation to therapeutic applications.
11) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. The relation of this study to science arises from its investigation of the anti-inflammatory effects of Eclipta alba, adhering to scientific methodologies to validate traditional medicinal practices.
12) Substance:
A substance is a particular kind of matter with uniform properties. In this study, Eclipta alba extract is the primary substance being evaluated for its anti-inflammatory properties. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of this substance is crucial in determining its effectiveness as a therapeutic agent against inflammation.
13) Mahendra (Māhendra, Mahemdra, Maha-indra):
Mahendra refers to a noted author linked to the literature connected to Eclipta alba. In this context, Mahendra may signify important contributions to the research presented, highlighting the importance of references in establishing comprehensive knowledge on the medicinal qualities of plants and their applications.
14) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that utilizes herbs and natural substances to promote health and treat ailments. Eclipta alba, extensively used in Ayurveda, reinforces its significance in the study by investigating its traditional claims, thereby merging conventional wisdom with modern scientific inquiry regarding its therapeutic effects.
15) Bitter:
Bitter refers to a taste sensation often associated with various compounds, including medicinal herbs. Eclipta alba's characteristic bitter taste may correlate with its chemical constituents, potentially contributing to its therapeutic actions, including anti-inflammatory properties that merit investigation in the context of medicinal evaluations.
16) Kapha:
Kapha is a concept from Ayurveda representing one of the three doshas or body types, associated with earth and water elements. The traditional use of Eclipta alba for treating conditions related to Kapha reinforces its relevance as a remedy in Ayurvedic practices, providing insights into the plant's therapeutic implications.
17) Lona (Loṇa):
Lona likely refers to a cited author in the references, contributing to the body of research related to the anti-inflammatory effects of various compounds. Such references are significant for establishing credibility and situating the current study within the broader context of research surrounding herbal remedies.
18) Vata (Vāṭa, Vaṭa, Vāta, Vaṭ�):
Vata is another Ayurvedic dosha, linked to air and space elements, which regulates bodily functions such as movement and circulation. The use of Eclipta alba in Ayurvedic treatments for imbalances involving Vata underscores the relevance of the plant within traditional medicine and its potential for addressing various health conditions.
19) Diet:
Diet refers to the dietary intake and nutritional habits of subjects involved in the study, particularly the rats. A standard pellet diet provided in the experiment is essential for maintaining health and ensuring that the observed effects of Eclipta alba on inflammation are attributable to the extract rather than nutritional deficiencies.
20) Post:
Post refers to the period following the administration of treatments in the study. Understanding the outcomes of anti-inflammatory effects post-treatment is vital as it helps in analyzing the duration of efficacy and the overall potential for therapeutic interventions in inflammation-related health challenges.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Evaluation of Anti –Inflammatory Activity of Eclipta alba in rats�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Eclipta alba, Chronic inflammation, Therapeutic efficacy, Phytochemical Profile, Anti-inflammatory effect, Acute toxicity study, Anti-histaminic activity, Albino Wistar rats, Cotton-pellet induced granuloma, Indomethacin treatment, Mediators of inflammation.