Publication:

Anti inflammatory effect of rhizome of Curcuma longa. Linn, in Albino rats by the method of Carrageenin induced paw oedema

Background Curcuma longa or turmeric is a popular Ayurvedic herb, traditionally used for various inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and spondylitis. Turmeric which containing phytochemical ingredient curcumin is used in India for centuries as a topical anti inflammatory agent. Many of the currently used anti inflammatory agents like NSAID’s and glucocorticoids have many undesirable adverse effects, especially when they are used for long period. In the present study, Curcuma longa, a plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family was chosen for investigating its anti-inflammatory effects.

Methods The rhizomes of Curcuma longa were collected locally. The extract was prepared by soxlet extraction with 50% ethanol. Albino rats of Wistar strain (170-250grams) obtained from the animal house of medical college Thiruvananthapuram were used. Aspirin was purchased from sigma Labs, Mumbai. Anti-inflammatory effect of the extract was done in rats by the method of Carrageenin induced paw oedema.

Results The ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa inhibited the development of oedema at the end of 3 hours. The anti-inflammatory activity exhibited by the extract was dose dependent and statistically significant at dose levels of 1000-mg/kg and comparable to that of standard drug used Aspirin.

Conclusions The present study with extract of Curcuma longa revealed that it has significant anti-inflammatory activity.