Publication:

To compare and evaluate the anti-inflammatory efficacy of terminalia arjuna (aqueous extract of bark) with diclofenac sodium on rats

Background Terminalia arjuna is a well-known Indian medicinal plant whose bark is extensively used in ayurvedic medicine. It is one of the most versatile medicinal plants having a wide spectrum of biological activity. The objective of this study was to study and evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Terminalia arjuna on carragennan induced paw edema in sprague dwaley rats.

Methods Terminalia arjuna aqueous extract of bark in 200, 400 and 800mg/kg doses were administered to sprague dawely rats prior to induction of carrageenan induced paw edema. Statistical analysis: was done by using student t test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results Only 400mg/kg dose of Terminalia arjuna aqueous extract of bark was able to decreases the size of paw edema at significant levels in carrageenan induced paw edema in rats.

Conclusions The aqueous extract of bark of Terminalia arjuna possesses anti-inflammatory activity on carrageenan induced paw edema in rat model.